Bent Rudder Stock

[kungfoo]

Hello all,

'tis a grim day for us. We knew there was a slight deflection in our rudder post, but it was never bad enough to worry much about, and plenty strong. However, we didn't want to leave it that way forever.

There's a deflection of, call it 3 degrees, in a 2.75" OD, 2.25" ID (.25" Wall) 316 stainless rudder stock.

The rudder won't come out at the moment, presumably because the vessel has a captive-bearing system in the bottom and the bend can't get past it.

One of the things I'm considering is cutting off the rudder and just replacing the stock entirely. I've heard tell of removing the rudder stock by cutting all the way around the periphery and opening it up like a clam. I've also seen images of people chiseling out the stock/tabs.

Anyone have any wisdom they can share?

[stormalong]

First off, who built the boat and are they still in business? Can you get new rudder skins or maybe a new rudder?

You might be better off with a new rudder rather than rebuilding the old one.

I would not touch anything until you have a plan.

[kungfoo]

Originally Posted by stormalong

First off, who built the boat and are they still in business? Can you get new rudder skins or maybe a new rudder?

You might be better off with a new rudder rather than rebuilding the old one.

I would not touch anything until you have a plan.

As much fun as it would be to go all Texas Chainsaw Massacre on the rudder post and figure it out on the back-end, we are trying to obtain better intelligence.

The original manufacturer isn't in business anymore, but we're trying to get a copy of the plans.

That being said, we should assume we're on our own. If that's the case, then we're still looking for any documentation, wisdom, examples, etc related to replacing rudder stock.

Another option might be to insert a solid rudder stock in that is welded in place and/or bolted and/or interference-fit after using a cylinder-honing system inside the rudder.

[more]

Originally Posted by kungfoo

Another option might be to insert a solid rudder stock in that is welded in place and/or bolted and/or interference-fit after using a cylinder-honing system inside the rudder.

No.No rudder must be from 1 piece for spade rudder
second always must say boat producer or if length of boat,type of boat.

cut your fiberglass skin from bented rudder,or make new skin from old rudder used for model. when clean old rudder use existed wing and weld on new ruder axel

[kungfoo]

Originally Posted by more

No.No rudder must be from 1 piece for spade rudder
second always must say boat producer or if length of boat,type of boat.

cut your fiberglass skin from bented rudder,or make new skin from old rudder used for model. when clean old rudder use existed wing and weld on new ruder axel

But what drives that certainty? An interference fit + bolts + weld is clearly a VERY strong bond...why NOT do that? What goes wrong if you try that sort of thing?