The rudder on my 34 remarkably did not have this common issue. Typically, owners drill a hole in the bottom of the rudder when the boat is hauled in the fall, let it drain all winter, then seal the hole before spring launch. Sounds like what you did.
The rudder on my 42 had this issue and I decided to repair it. My repair guru removed the rudder when the boat was on the hard. He drilled a large number of holes through the surface layer of glass (on one side as I recall), placed it in a “oven box” that he made out of plywood (with a heat source) to raise the temperature so the water would evaporate out the holes, moisture-metered the rudder after baking it for a few weeks, refilled all the holes with West System epoxy, faired it, then put about six or eight coats of Interlux barrier coat on the outside. I believe he also sealed the top of the rudder where the post enters, but on my boat that location is out of the water when the boat is sitting at the dock (I believe the 34 is the same way). The work was labor intensive; I’d estimate about $1500. I’d be concerned about removing the rudder with the boat in the water for two reasons: 1) dropping it; and 2) getting it back in place after repairs. From: DON JONSSON via CnC-List Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2017 12:41 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: DON JONSSON Subject: Stus-List C&C 34 Moisture in rudder Hi I have a 1981 C&C 34 which I'm trying to sell, and now am concerned about the issues on the boat. The biggest one is the moisture in the rudder. About a foot up from the bottom of the rudder there has been a small quasi hole, about 1/16th of an inch, for quite a while. When I hauled the boat water would seep out of it. This year when out of the water we drilled out that hole and put another in the bottom. A few drops came out, but when we blew air in and when the boat heated, more came out, perhaps a cup or so. We then sealed with epoxy and put the boat back in. The rudder looks good, as in no blisters, etc. It pivots well with no sounds or odd vibrations. But it is wet and could be / is compromised. My questions are: 1. I'm assuming the rudder is filled with foam, and that foam on my boat is saturated with water. The foam is certainly delaminated from the fiberglass in some places. Does anyone have any diagrams or knowledge of how the rudder is constructed? 2. Has anyone had a similar problem? What did you do? What was the approximate cost? My reading on the net has shown answers from many boats have water, don't worry about it to you will sink and die the next time you go out. OK, perhaps a bit of hyperbole. 3. Has anyone taken their rudder off while the boat is in the water using a diver? One person is recommending that as it is a busy time of year and I'm not sure how long or how easy it is to crawl in the back and disconnect quadrant, etc. It is an old boat. Also easier to leave the boat in the water while the work is done. Thanks you for your help. I have some other questions but will put them in different threads in the future. Don -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
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