Unfortunately I hit a rock with one of the rudders when I was out sailing this weekend :-(. The question now is; can it be repaired or do I need to buy a new one? If it can be repaired, is this something that needs to be done by a professional?
Order new one. Looks like it caused delamination. You probably did this but check your transoms to make sure you didn't damage the transom itself or the pintles/gudgeons. If you ask a professional I think they might suggest a new rudder. While waiting for new one grind out the leading edge and figure out how much delamination is going on. If possible, squeeze epoxy into rudder. Clamp. When dry lay up couple layers of glass over the leading edge. Use as backup rudder. That would be my plan but I like working on stuff like that. If you are big into racing I would do that (and if you have $ for new rudder). If you sail recreationally then you can try the repair.
Sure it can be repaired. You need to remove all delaminated glass. Then grind a taper in the glass and put in place a new layup matching the old as well as possible. Then fill, sand, fill sand, fill, sand, sand, sand, paint, buff. Either you are in for a steep learning curve, get help from someone knowlegdeable, or talk with a professional. Before I began, I would check the cost of a new blade from John P. If you want to do it yourself, you choose the right place to ask for support <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
The cost of new one will be about the same cost as repairing your own if you cost in a bit of labour, far better to just to order a new one as they are pretty inexpensive.
There maybe a few second hand ones about as some people have up graded to the later shape.
Re: Repair help Stealth F16 rudder
[Re: waynemarlow]
#113855 08/07/0711:06 AM08/07/0711:06 AM
Thanks for your answers. I will try to fix the broken rudder and have it as a back up rudder. I will contact John Pierce, or is there anyone else who might sell rudders to Stealth boats?
My workshop is even worse these days, due to no use for some time, or perhaps misuse is a better word. I better clean it up somewhat before Phill arrives <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> There are no hazards there, but some chemicals and stuff. Most of the cans under the bench is just paint, primer and other household stuff.
