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Straightening Rudders

Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2015 8:35 pm
by thinwater
I smacked a tree almost a week ago, bending a rudder enough to jam it tight. Today I got out the chain fall and pulled it back, no fuss, no muss. I posted a blog entry (link below) with details that may be helpful when you find you own personal log to run over.

Bottom line. It took about 2 hours, including all prep work, and about 1320 pounds force was required (gauge). If you have questions, don't hesitate to PM.

Image

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2015/ ... g-101.html

Re: Straightening Rudders

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 1:26 pm
by amytom
Unfortunately it's not a very exclusive club; those that have bent rudders.

Good job. I did something similar but used a cable pull and straps around the rudder and the keel. Then I had to repair the glass behind the rudder. Glad yours was less painful.

Re: Straightening Rudders

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2015 5:50 pm
by thinwater
I liked that I was able to put a gauge on it, so that we know how much force is required. Of course, if the attachment points are different, the leverage changes.

No glass repair. However, I did take the opportunity to stretch the keels 10", fairing the blunt 1 1/4" trailing edges to 1/4". Hopefully the balance will improve and leeway decrease. I meant to do it as part of the genoa track and extension project, but I was too tired. The three changes where intended to be synergistic.

I'll post, when I'm done.

Re: Straightening Rudders

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 9:45 am
by Root
I wish it had been that easy for us. We discovered Wind Seeker had a bent rudder slanting towards the bow (backed over something) when we hauled her. It was an angle that availed no part of the boat on which to take a purchase. So we had it pulled to straighten the shaft. Much more time consuming and arduous because it was the starboard one with the steering quadrant attached to it. We probably could have left it that way because there were no indications of the damage at the helm but insurance covered the repair. Ray