A big problem: rudder stock corrosion

Well, we are weathering our first big unforeseen setback... The rudder stock is seriously corroded. Neil dropped it "just to check it out", not because we had a clue there was really anything wrong. But it's a good thing he did so. The stainless steel stock is seriously corroded. Mr. Cogswell, who used to own Mariner Yachts, thinks there must have been a stray current problem. Whatever the cause, it needs to be replaced.

I searched the internet and also posted a question to the good folks on the Cruising World Bulletin Board looking for ideas on what to do. Neil followed the advice and that night he and his bandmate Fred spilt open the fiberglass rudder. After hours of coaxing and pounding, the skins split apart fairly neatly and they were able to chisel out the shaft and SS "web". It is huge and weighs about 150 pounds!

We're having a new stock machined out of Aquamet and Neil will then put the rudder back together. It's an expensive setback, and one that will cost us a week or so additional work time, but if we're ever out in big seas offshore and worrying about things breaking, we'll feel confident in our new rudder at least!