Looking to have new rudder constructed in Rhode Island

[SVTwilight]

Just pulled the big skeg hung rudder off our FD-12 51 footer. Since it is nearly 37 years old I want to replace it before we head south.

Anyone know of a good place in Rhode Island or thereabouts? I know there are a number of rudder specialists in FL and CAL and WASH., but I would prefer it to be done by someone local if there are experienced and reasonable options.

Thanks in advance

[DougR]

How about a custom boatbuilder like New England Boatworks in Portsmouth, RI or Lyman Morse in Thomaston, Me? Maybe Front Street Boatyard in Me.

DougR

[phorvati]

How are things looking and what made you pull it off?

[sailah]

When I wrecked my rudder last year I was hauled out at Burr Bros in Marion MA, a really high end yard. I have a friend who is a machinist and the plan was to have him machine the shaft, welding etc and have Burr Bros do the laminate.

well, after about 2 seconds of looking at the quote, we all agreed to ship my old rudder to Foss Foam in FL and they returned a perfect match.

I'm sure that any yard can actually do it, but it likely is specialized enough process to have it sent out. Just the setup of making the mold etc, Foss is already tooled up to do that.

Be interested to hear if you find an agreeable solution in NE, I'm in MA. Hoping I don't need one lol.

[SVTwilight]

Originally Posted by phorvati

How are things looking and what made you pull it off?

No known problems. It had not been out of the boat in a long time, so I wanted it out to inspect it and the associated fastenings, bearings and hull areas.

It looks ok from the outside, but it is wet inside (drips a bit like many do) and of course is original to the boat, quite old, so I don't want to risk it any more in the Pacific or any long passage for that matter.

I read an FD12 had theirs break in the middle of the passage to the Marquesas a few years ago, which inclined me to view it with extreme prejudice: A jury-rigged rudder - Ocean Navigator - Ocean Voyager 2013

Not sure how good the stainless is from those days in Taiwan and don't want to find out this way.

Then looking up this link just now, I saw found other cases of broken rudders on the way to the Marquesas in the past 8 years in a variety of boats.

So, I am left to think that real long passages with real old rudders are not a such an ideal combination.

Judging by Sailahs experience, I will try FOSS in FL first since they were on my list anyway.

[phorvati]

Originally Posted by SVTwilight

No known problems. It had not been out of the boat in a long time, so I wanted it out to inspect it and the associated fastenings, bearings and hull areas.

It looks ok from the outside, but it is wet inside (drips a bit like many do) and of course is original to the boat, quite old, so I don't want to risk it any more in the Pacific or any long passage for that matter.

I read an FD12 had theirs break in the middle of the passage to the Marquesas a few years ago, which inclined me to view it with extreme prejudice: A jury-rigged rudder - Ocean Navigator - Ocean Voyager 2013

Not sure how good the stainless is from those days in Taiwan and don't want to find out this way.

Then looking up this link just now, I saw found other cases of broken rudders on the way to the Marquesas in the past 8 years in a variety of boats.

So, I am left to think that real long passages with real old rudders are not a such an ideal combination.

Judging by Sailahs experience, I will try FOSS in FL first since they were on my list anyway.

Thats good to know. Same thing here, some water, no soft spots, I drained it and filled holes with gflex last summer. Feels pretty good in terms of play and vibrations. No weeping or rust stains. It might be what i do at next haulout but until then, I have a monitor windvane and I might get the MRUD for it.

[Captain Anthony]

Ahoy, I too will need to replace my rudder on a 1980 Tartan 37c. Has anyone else have anything to say about Foss Foam in Florida. I live on Long Island. When I did some research on the cost of a new replacement rudder, the locals here stated "estimated costs" in excess of 15% of the vessels value. And on Long Island you always must add another 50% to the "estimate" Thank you

[gmakhs]

Is your rudder with foam or other kind of core ??

[Captain Anthony]

I do not know ( yet) I just purchased the vessel . I have been told that it is the factory installed rudder. I need to research that.

[Elie]

I had also to replace my rudder 10 years ago. I was in a hury, the shaft was in good shape, so I was convinced that the fastest way to do it was a complete stainless steel new skin(316L). I was done in 3 days. I had to do some fairing(the stainless steel chosen by the machine shop was a bit too thick. I treated it with 8 coats of primer, and interprotect. a pair of anodes are attached to the skin. It is a perfect solution for me. The last 6 inches are made into a crushable section. For me it is a perfect solution. there is a built in option to fill it with diesel fuel and use it as a fuel reserve (never used it). After more then 10 years of usage, I'm more then satisfied...

[Quadrille in JB]

Floss replaced our rudder several years ago on our 34’ O’day. It’s a fairly large rudder; 2’ x 4’. It is identical to the old one that was bent and badly damaged after hitting something HARD. I think the cost was around $2800. They are great to work with.