Rudder Replacement Sources

[lawrence_craig]

Hi guys,

Last night, I got caught out in a blow in Vis, Croatia. The result was the rudder grounding and getting chopped (3/4 size now).

I am assuming it is beyond repair and will need a replacement. It's a Bavaria 46 (2007).

Does anyone have any possible sources for replacing the rudder? I have one (Jefa.com) but wondering if there's any others?

Many thanks.

[Sailmonkey]

Phil’s foils

http://cci.one/site/marine/foils-a-z...42419433593750

Foss foam

https://www.newrudders.com/

And surely there’s an equivalent somewhere more local to you!

[lawrence_craig]

Thanks for the links, going to try find something similar near us but only found one so far (Jefa.com).

[s/v Jedi]

Did you salvage the broken off part? If not you may try to find it. Repair is possible when the structural members are intact.

[lawrence_craig]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Did you salvage the broken off part? If not you may try to find it. Repair is possible when the structural members are intact.

Could be a good shout.

Most of the structure isn’t damaged. The main rudder spat is fine. Hopefully can get repaired.

[boatbroke]

Hi Lawrence,

Most European production boats use Jeffa rudders, bearing and steering systems, will be just a standard part. Can be a couple of weeks to wait for a rudder depending what they have on the shelf.

For what it is worth, it is definitely able to be saved. They literally cut the whole bow off Wild Oats XI and stitched on a new one! It is only the tip, the strength is in the stock which normally only comes about 3/4 of the way down the rudder.

Get her out the water. I'd pull the rudder out and check all bearings (and bearing housings/gussets), steering system and rudder including the stock for issues at this time. Cracking around the gussets and the bearing pins flattening/crushing are usual suspects.

Loads can transfer into other unlikely places and it is a good excuse to have a good look over a part of a boat that traditionally never gets enough servicing or attention.

Dry out best as possible. Hold up some cardboard or alike and trace the outline of the rudder that is still there.

Grind de-lamination as needed. Dry out again thoroughly.

Glue/scarf in some foam, shape as needed, going off the cardboard template where possible, use a batten to trace a fair line for the leading and trailing edge.

Lay up glass (epoxy resin for this type of repair), fill, fair, prime, anti foul.

A week out of the water should be plenty.

Good luck with it mate.

Adam

[noelex 77]

From the look of the photos, repair should be quite easy. There is no reason why the repair should not be as strong as the original, but some blue water boat builders deliberately make the bottom of the rudder a “breakaway” component. Therefore even if the repair is not quite as strong as the original, it is not a great concern.

If you do follow this path, double check the rest of the rudder is fine. You also need to carefully inspect the interior where the rudder is supported. This is vital.

There is a nightmare story in one of the recent sailing magazines concerning Nigel Calder’s damaged rudder. It was professionally repaired, but he subsequently discovered extensive internal damage that was lucky not to sink the boat.

[malbert73]

Yes that story from Nigel Calder is a great counterpoint to the “skeg dogma” out there which suggests that blue water boats need one. But then the stock is smaller partly because its not the leading edge.

I think main risk to the OP rudder which would make it unuseable is if the stock is bent.

[lawrence_craig]

Guys,

I really appreciate the positive responses and your help. That’s why I love this forum.

Following your advice, I found somewhere to repair the rudder which is being returned to me in 2 days, best case of a bad situation!

Thanks a lot for all your support!