Popped a rudder loose

Jfreeman1412 · Post by **Jfreeman1412** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:32 pm

Hey Guys
I have a 73 F30 sea raider and i just realized i popped a rudder loose 2 of the 4 bolts are loose and the wood it attaches to looks like it popped up from the floor. I am going to have it pulled and will fix it, but just have a few questions. What Kind and what size thickness of wood is normally used there? And what kind of adhesive do i use to re-attach the wood to fiberglass? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

aaronbocknek · Post by **aaronbocknek** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 1:30 pm

let me try to decipher this before i head to my radiation oncology treatment today. okay, are you talking about the 'backing plate' that is epoxied to the hull then the rudder stock sits on top of? if so, the normal thickness is 1/2 to 1/4 inch marine ply. if you have twins, measure the other side. cut another backing plate and drill 5 holes in it. one for the rudder to fit through and the 4 bolt holes. make sure the bilge is clean, dry and oil free. i'd suggest you let the old area, the holes, dry for at least 2 days to dry out any water that might have seeped into the fiberglass substrate. after you know the area and the bilge is clean and dry, apply 3m 4200 to the backing plate.... just coat the bottom of the plate all over and put into place. it's okay to have some overflow. do the same for the bolt holes. you will need another person underneath to hold the bolt as you squeeze epoxy into the bolt threads and tighten the nuts in a star pattern, making sure the washer does not concave.

hope this helps and feel free to post pics while doing this. many will be interested.

aaron in baltimore

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 2:49 pm

For stuff below the waterline I would use 5200 not 4200. After all, a new backing plate should not have to be removed for the next 10 + years I would mount the backing plate and drill after not before you install it so you account for the bolt angle through the plate and they will line up better.

aweimer · Post by **aweimer** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 2:55 pm

Use star board. Will never rot & 5200.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 5:58 pm

I also would go with 5200 but 4200 will work fine. Make sure you look at the fiberglass for damage , I used oak on mine . the proplem with starboard is no sealants stick to it .[/img][/url]

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 6:21 pm

prowlersfish wrote:I also would go with 5200 but 4200 will work fine. Make sure you look at the fiberglass for damage , I used oak on mine . the proplem with starboard is no sealants stick to it .[/img][/url]

Here's an updated and clearer picture...and I also would go with 5200.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 6:24 pm

Stripermann2 wrote:
prowlersfish wrote:I also would go with 5200 but 4200 will work fine. Make sure you look at the fiberglass for damage , I used oak on mine . the proplem with starboard is no sealants stick to it .[/img][/url]
Here's your pic...and I also would go with 5200.

Thats why I say look at the f glass

Jfreeman1412 · Post by **Jfreeman1412** » Tue Sep 11, 2012 12:33 am

Sounds good thanks for the info. I will post pics when I get her done. Look for them in a few weeks.

rooferdave · Post by **rooferdave** » Tue Sep 11, 2012 10:28 am

Stripermann2 wrote:
prowlersfish wrote:I also would go with 5200 but 4200 will work fine. Make sure you look at the fiberglass for damage , I used oak on mine . the proplem with starboard is no sealants stick to it .[/img][/url]
Here's an updated and clearer picture...and I also would go with 5200.

holy crap! Just looking at that made me go all funny inside!

gettaway · Post by **gettaway** » Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:23 am

It is my undersanding that Starboard is not ridgid enough to be used as backing material for through hulls and such and solid wood boards have the tendency to crack apart at rot over time

I would use epoxy impregnated furniture grade marine ply or build up fiberglass and epoxy

my two cents

Jfreeman1412 · Post by **Jfreeman1412** » Tue Sep 11, 2012 3:10 pm

What did the fiberglass damage come from? Running it while it was loose? Did you repair it or stick a bigger mounting board.......

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Tue Sep 11, 2012 3:50 pm

Jfreeman1412 wrote:What did the fiberglass damage come from? Running it while it was loose? Did you repair it or stick a bigger mounting board.......

Yeah Paul, did that happen when you ran through that pod of dolphins?

God's helpless little creatures...

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Sep 11, 2012 6:04 pm

I won't lie ,Jammie was at the helm

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Sep 11, 2012 6:11 pm

prowlersfish wrote:I won't lie ,Jamie was at the helm

What really happened is the rudder shaft was slightly bent and over time it was flexing the fiber glass and cracking it and it finally let go on a tight turn at 20 plus knots . I will find the post I made on it and copy it or post a link ( long story )

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Tue Sep 11, 2012 6:13 pm

prowlersfish wrote:
prowlersfish wrote:I won't lie ,Jamie was at the helm