I29 Broken Rudder

[James]

Hello,

Not sure if this I29 group is still active or not.
I had the boat pulled 2 weeks ago and see that the rudder is broken near the top.
It looks as though the rudder may have been broken before in this same area, as on the port side I see some sort of repair patching.

Any recommendations for the best method to repair or replace this issue.
Also, what is the process to remove the rudder?

 

Cheers

 

[Adam Gonzalez]

Is the break in the rudder or the hull?

Sent from my iPhone

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<I29_Rudder1.JPG>

<I29_Rudder2.JPG>

[James]

The "Rudder1" pic shows the crack 3/4 the way up on the rudder (starboard side)

The "Rudder2" pic shows the port side view of the rudder cracked where the steering bar is comes down and first inserts into the rudder.

 

Both are only on the rudder, the hull is fine...well at least I think it's fine.

 

Thanks for the reply.

[Adam Gonzalez]

Good that it's not the hull. To fix it right, you need to cut away the fiberglass to expose the plywood core. Cut away any rotten core. Key in new plywood, then cover with epoxy saturated FG fabric. Fair, paint, and you're ready to go.

Sent from my iPhone

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[S & S]

It would be two reasons for that damage in the past. 

First: heavy barnacles accumulated and the boat was not in use, then rudder was forcibly moved while stuck on barnacled. Top of the rudder is not supported by skeg/keel and torque will break it.   

Second: similar reason, but with ice scenario. Most likely it was a barnacle issue.

Once rudder is removed, inspect the damage, then decide on repairs.

I remember going through logistics of taking my rudder off:

Take off the tiller S/S cap on cockpit (it was unnecessary in my case as I discovered later, my was two parts stock)

Remove the pin at the rudder stock, located between deck and hull bottom (you have to do it from the quarter berth inspection hatch or a lazarette on cockpit) Don't need this step if the the stock is one piece and the deck cap/tiller removed.

Unscrew and remove the plate on the bottom of the keel supporting the rudder. Be careful, the rudder may fall down at this point. 

Some rudders may have gudgeons half way on rudder at the lower part of the prop aperture.

This is my version. You may have slightly different arrangement as many I-29 were modified by their owners for the last 50 years.

Good luck

 

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