VoyagerOne
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« on: August 31, 2006, 06:37:48 pm » |
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Greetigs
I own Sonanda, she is a PD26, hull #67 and I need to replace or repair my rudder cage. The rear support pole is broken both top and bottom. The side braces are broken at the bottom. I took it to one weld shop and they said they could not reweld the braces because "the cage had been in salt water and was pitted". What does everyone think about this, has anyone ever encountered the pitting problem that prevented welding? Does anyone know where I can buy another one or is a fabrication my only option? Would love to hear from someone. Fair Winds, Richard
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RichardMarker
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« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2006, 03:01:50 am » |
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My cage was rudder cage was bent and cracked when somebody hit it in the marina. The welder was able to fix it, but explained the salt/aluminum problem and how it was very difficult to weld. I had minor cracks so he was able to get them repaired. I would say fabrication is your solution. Maybe go with stainless steel instead of aluminum this time. My welder said it would be about a third more, but much more sturdy. I don't think the extra weight would effect steering.
Richard Marker
S/V
Nola
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Richard Marker
S/V
Nola
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Fairwind
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« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2006, 11:51:05 am » |
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My badly deteriorated rudder basket was rebuilt by an expert heli-arc marine welder. Most propeller rebuilding shops have the equipment and skills to tackle this job..If they can weld new blades on aluminum props, they can repair / rebuild the basket.
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rdubuque
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« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2008, 01:34:14 pm » |
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I just found that the lower aft weld on my bracket is cracked all the way through and will have it repaired shortly.
This is one thing that should be checked very carefully on a regular basis.
Bob
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rdubuque
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« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2008, 02:57:13 am » |
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Just had the rudder bracket repaired and mine is made of yellow brass. I think the later ones were made of aluminum. The welder said the rear tube which cracked had very thin walls and was the weakest link.
Brass also corrodes in salt water very quickly. I guess I will just keep it painted. In fresh water it is not much of an issue.
Bob
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sfisher
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« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2008, 05:30:27 pm » |
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Say a prayer for me. I'm going to try to press the lower section apart about a quarter of an inch this morning. It is too tight at the forward end of the lower piece. It is a repair from earlier and is too wide at the aft end and too narrow at the forward end.
The plan is to use a PORTO-POWER hydraulic press. Will work, or destroy the thing.
Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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rdubuque
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« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2008, 04:29:58 pm » |
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Let us know how it goes. Is yours made out of brass?
Bob
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sfisher
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« Reply #7 on: June 20, 2008, 02:09:57 pm » |
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Great guy who runs a neighborhood body shop came over and gave it a try. Of course, we are dealing with an assembly that is already a repair job. the lower secion is all different, being made of 1/4 inch aluminum strip by 3 inches.
We were able to move the two sides out some, but mostly it just wanted to bend and return to original position. A good bit of the problem that we hadn't seen until removing the rudder, was that many areas of the inside of the lover portion were ragged and causing a good bit of drag on the rudder even where there was room. My guess is that this fabrication was done in place on the back of the boat.
Temps are in the 90,s so I may not work on it today. I'll then smooth all interior surfaces and try again. Then I have to decide on paint or anodize. I really don't want to take this off the boat !
By the way, the fabrication was done by utilizing the orignal forward section at the gudgeon/pintle area and heavily welding the new portion to that. Top section is mostly original. MORE TO COME.
Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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sfisher
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« Reply #8 on: June 28, 2008, 04:45:37 am » |
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Progress Report ? Did some clean up the other day and tried the rudder today. Seems to work better on the lower section, but now the top section is too tight. That indicates that the extra Gel Coat is now too thick. There was no real way to dimension the rudder, or to measure it. So now the sandpaper on the Gel Coat and we will see what happens. MORE TO COME>
Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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sfisher
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« Reply #9 on: December 03, 2008, 03:02:35 am » |
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Just tried to pull up the rudder after 2 months in the water. STuck, broke handle pulling. Now what .....
Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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rdubuque
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« Reply #10 on: December 04, 2008, 06:24:34 pm » |
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Might be time for a swim? Or you could get a line underneath it and try and pull it up. My rudder is held loosely in the scabbard.
Just replaced both my 110 amp hour AGM batteries today after six years of abuse. West Marine here in Key West gave me a $100 discount each on two for a total of $400 including 2 small solar panels I plan on selling on ebay.
One still is servicable but it is better to not have one weak battery drain the new one. Might just keep it aboard for starboard ballast and emergencies.
Boat problems, it never ends. Still have not made it sailing yet.
Bob
Bob
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jhaley_100
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« Reply #11 on: December 05, 2008, 09:01:29 pm » |
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I recommend that you detach the steering mechanism from the rudder cage, remove pintle bolts and bring both the rudder and cage on board. You can then work the cage off by moving back and forth. quote:
Originally posted by sfisher
Just tried to pull up the rudder after 2 months in the water. STuck, broke handle pulling. Now what .....
Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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Midship 25
Hull #38
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sfisher
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« Reply #12 on: December 14, 2008, 02:32:08 am » |
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John, You are far too practical. I've been avoiding undoing the steering cable, but it looks like the time has come.
Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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jhaley_100
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« Reply #13 on: December 14, 2008, 06:03:14 am » |
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Chances are it will give you a chance to tighten the steering up so you will be better off for it. My steering has 2 inches of slop in it that I have been putting off dealing with. You might also put new washers on the gudgeons while you are at it. My boat had no washers, sat in the water for years and now the brackets are worn down to a 45 degree angle just from the action of the rudder moving back and forth. quote:
Originally posted by sfisher
John, You are far too practical. I've been avoiding undoing the steering cable, but it looks like the time has come.
Steve in San Jose
Dawson 26, "Banana Split"
Hull 270
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Midship 25
Hull #38
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