I need to make a quick repair to a rudder that is delaminating at the top seam. I have some new rudders on order, but I've procrastinated too long and have a regatta this weekend.
The crack is about 6-7" along the top seam of the rudder. It is the Tiger white carbon reinforced rudder. It appears as though the separation is due to twist of the rudder in the casting. I can put a screwdriver it the crack and separate it slightly.
What is my best repair without totally grinding it down and reglassing?
Here are the 2 options I've been thinking about:
Option one: gap the crack open with a screwdriver and inject West System epoxy resin with a syringe so it can seep into the crack well
Option two: Use a Dermal tool to cut away some of the loose gelcoat and create a slight V. Then fill it with 3M 5200 silicon adhesive.
So what is the stronger repair? West System epoxy resin or 3M 5200? I have both the resin and 5200, so it would be nice to not buy something else. Or is there something better that's worth buying?