Lost Rudder

maineman · #1 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009

The rudder shaft on my Pearson 26 broke at the hull line so I lost my rudder. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement shaft/rudder assemblage?

Thanks.

mwrohde2 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009

I've never used them, but I've heard nothing but good things about the rudders these folks make:

NewRudders.com » Standard Rudders

Your boat is listed as one of their "Standard" rudders.

dbruce85 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-21-2009

Another source is D&R Marine, have bought a few things from them.
Thay have been very helpful.
Good Luck,
David

thinkaican · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009

maineman I had the same thing happen recently to our Pearson 26 in Salem, MA. It was on the mooring when the rudder broke loose (corrossion so bad it looks like something bit through the shaft) and we had a diver try to recover it last night but no luck in the murky silty bottom.

Haven't been able to find a used one anywhere...the guys at newrudders.com quoted me 1228.00 plus shipping for a new rudder and shaft. DR has one for 1500 with new bushings. Hard to justify but what's the alternative?

n0w0rries · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009

I lost a rudder in the silt under my dock. My diver buddy went down, wiggled it, so I thought he had it, I pulled the pin... WOOOSH depth charge away!
He looked but couldn't find it. So he ended up dropping a long line off the stern with a weight on it. So the line went from the boat, to the bottom with a weight, and then there was like 10-15' of extra rope down there. Then he started searching in circles using the rope as a guide. Search right around the weight, then slowly work your way out using the rope as a guide. He found it that way.

Depending on how deep the water is, you might need more then 10-15'. It might plane a bit and be farther away then you might think.

maineman · #6 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009

Thank you for the helpful responses to my search for a replacement rudder. I ordered a new one from D&R--a bit pricey, but less expensive than a replacement sloop!

maineman

stainlessoutfitter · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009

Stainless outfitters up in barrie Ontario have had quite a bit of success fabricating new rudders in stainless steel.They are the exact shape as the original and fully welded where the shaft enters the rudder.Completely sealed it is very light or ballast it with water which you just drain out at the end of the season. Built like an aircraft wing and skinned with 14 gauge stainless plate, they cost no more than a new fiberglass rudder.

hellosailor · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009

Foss are apparently located in both FL and CA, or have moved, or something between the two locations.

Some few years ago my friend has Foss make up a new rudder, and I can only say they botched the job badly. Delayed horribly. Everything overdue, and the new rudder did not fit and had to be shipped back. net result? About a 3-month loss in sailing and the new (custom for them, not one of their stock designs) rudder never was right.

They've also got a strange "don't let our rudders out in the sunlight" policy that outright scares me. I don't know if they had a bad year or were infiltrated by enemy agents, but I'd never touch one of their products again.

Just one man's opinion, based on one very long and repeatedly disappointing experience. They couldn't even return phone calls within a week.

JomsViking · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009

On most boats the rudder should be light with neutral buoyancy - it should neither float, nor sink, so letting water into it seems like a bad idea? When it is completely enclosed, there's also the risks of corrosion.
Not trying to slam your product, just sayin'

And.. consider paying for an ad on Sailnet

Quote:

Originally Posted by stainlessoutfitter

Stainless outfitters up in barrie Ontario have had quite a bit of success fabricating new rudders in stainless steel.They are the exact shape as the original and fully welded where the shaft enters the rudder.Completely sealed it is very light or ballast it with water which you just drain out at the end of the season. Built like an aircraft wing and skinned with 14 gauge stainless plate, they cost no more than a new fiberglass rudder.

stainlessoutfitter · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009

Just found the sailnet website yesterday and not exactly sure how it works or how you PAY for an add. It doesn't seem like a very friendly or open minded place.