New Rudders & Tiller Repair
While disassembling the starboard steering assembly I confirmed there was a considerable amount of rot at the head of the rudder. It also looked as though it had been splinted following a break or severe fracture about two thirds up the rudder. It had to go!
Using the old blade as a template I made a copy, but from 19mm ply. The original rudder was only 12mm, which I suspect is skinnier than the plans indicate.
I was lucky to discover how the tiller fits onto the head of the rudder. As the Previous Owner had fobreglassed the tiller and rudder they had to be cut apart. With the rot it eventually crumbled apart revealing an ingenious system, the rear of the tiller slot is a curved to fit a half circle cut out in the rudder. The tiller is slotted in curved surfaces first, before hinging down and locking it all into place. This is classic Wharram design, simple brilliance. All done without stainless steel fittings!
It gave me great pleasure to whittle away at the top of the blade to replicate the original form.
The port assembly was less rotten, but it's blade was thin too, & has to be replaced.
THE FOLLOWING DAY I popped out a second rudder blade. I'm so happy 🎶
Cut recesses on the front of both blades for pintle/lashing clearance. Next taping the edges, but first I need to buy some epoxy resin.
* NEWS. Its not my intention to be dark or whatever, but I would like to mention safety issues as they emerge.
Yesterday a sailor drowned in floods in Brisbane. Apparently while transferring between his tender and sail boat, he went into the water.
* I wonder whether he was wearing a Lifejacket?
* Was he wearing a self-inflating type? Had it been checked recently?
* Were both craft set up to allow safe & easy transfers ie. not requiring the sailor to clamber over lifelines, or negotiate a gap or whatever. Should he have used fore and aft tethers?
* Could he have stayed ashore or onboard until the weather passed?
I don't know any details of the particular incident. I am merely using the tragic incident to get me thinking about my own safety when I get cruising.
MONDAY 7 MARCH 2022: Progress made despite rainy weather. Leading edge tape sanded back on each rudder. Coat of epoxy applies to foiled sections. Fibreglass cloth ordered to lay you on wet areas. Need to add, tiller cheeks/blocks.
Starboard Tiller, first later of ply faired in and second layer epoxied into place. Next sand and paint both rollers in polyurethane paint.
TUESDAY. Power sanded the tiller into shape and made a small batch of thickened epoxy (using flour) to fill all small blemishes. By nightfall, both e tillers were sanded ready for priming.
I also made four check plates for the tiller to rest upon. These will be glued either side of the rudder, once the final tiller fitting is done.
Awaiting fibreglass cloth to sheath both blades.
12 MARCH 2022: Both tillers sanded, filled & primed ready for finish painting.
The rudders are ready for 'glassing below the waterline, then painting.
