When my 1983 Catalina 27 was surveyed last Winter the surveyor said that the rudder post had some minor pitting at the areabetween top of rudder and the hull. About 1/4 inch long and not deep, but he suggested keeping an eye on it and repairing or replacing the rudder at some point. My question is, how common is pitting at this point and when is it prudent to replace the rudder? Is the Cat. 27 rudder post solid stainless or hollow? if solid it seems like surface pitting is not that big a deal.
I do sail to the channel islands off CA coast, so don't want any parts to go missing 26 miles out, but don't want to spend money on a rudder if it's not necessary.
Thanks for the input in advance.
My guess is it's hollow. The rudder post is pretty important! You could rig up an emergency rudder too so you have a back up if it fails. you would need gudgeons, pintles, a tiller, and rudder from a manfacturer like foss foam. Unless you are real good at steering with the sails you don't want to be rudderless ever!
Denise, Bristol PA, Oday 30
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