Refurbishing drop in rudder box.

[DateW.Dionysus]

I have an old Aquarius 23 with a drop in rudder box. I've found some information online about repairing the rudder and that's coming along nicely but I can't find much on refinishing the box it's attached to. The box seems to be wood covered with fiberglass with a wood plate sealed and screwed onto it.

Im planning to sand it all down, patch it up with the West Marine Epoxy Resin I purchased for the rudder repair but when it comes to resealing the wood plate to the box I'm not sure what to do. The lip seems to be curled up a bit at the corners as pictured. The only sealant I have rn is butyl tape and, while it does sit above the water line, I can't see that working for such a large application.

What kind of sealant should I purchase? What's the best way to refinish this? Am I suffering some sort of misunderstanding all together? It's more than possible, I'm new to all of this.

[boatbroke]

Hi Date W,

If the rudder sits inside the box, just be mindful of building up too much paint/resin on the surface as the rudder wont fit in again!

I would use a timber sealer (like Everdure) and finish it with what ever paint system (enamel or 2 part) you feel comfortable with.

Basically seal the timer then paint for UV/water protection.

Good Luck!

[DateW.Dionysus]

Originally Posted by boatbroke

Basically seal the timer then paint for UV/water protection.

Thanks for the advice! Any suggestions on what I should use to seal this? I've been using butyl tape for everything else above the water line but I'm thinking I should caulk this one?

[boatbroke]

Hi DateW,

Sorry not sure what you mean by 'seal' it.

Paint will seal the bear timber.

As for fastenings, I'd use Sikaflex. I think Americans use 3M 5200 from when I was there.

As a rule of thumb I'd steer clear of tape in most cases where you can.

Good luck!

Adam

[Spot]

DwD-
Best wishes for the repairs.
At the risk of being today's 'Captain Obvious', have you checked in with the Yahoo Group for your boat? I sail an obscure make and the group members are very valuable for getting firsthand information that is brand and model specific. Some of these older boats are relying on folk knowledge 30-40-50 or more years old.