Need a rudder for a 1980 Pearson 26

[sampilot]

Hello
I am new in the sailboat arena. I purchased a 1980 Pearson 26 recently and lost my rudder. I went back to the boat one morning and the rudder broke off, gone.
I have a friend who tells me he can build me one if I can get him the actual blue print/specification of the rudder.
Do any one here knows/can tell me how I can get this information.
It would be greatly appreciated, I can't afford to buy a new one right now.

[arf145]

So the rudder broke off in the slip? It might be worth retrieving, even if it's for a pattern.

[JimsCAL]

These guys can supply one:

DR Marine Product List

Perhaps you can find a used one from a damaged boat in a yard somewhere.

[sampilot]

Thank you for your responces.
I am going to try to go in the water with a diver friend to see if we can find the rudder. I checked DR Marine site, only new ones $1,499.00 .... a bit out of my means at this time.
I will try to find an used one but so far no luck. I will keep you posted if I can find it in the water this friday.

[souljour2000]

Ouch 1400 bucks for a new one!!! Sound about right though...Hope you can find the one at the bottom...water might be cold where you are at but just pretend your a member of the" polar bear club" for a few minutes and have a shot or two of your favorite distilled beverage on hand when you get out! good luck...

[eherlihy]

A word to the wise: Just because Rudy (D&R) has it on the website, it doesn't mean that he has it in stock, or can get it. CALL him to confirm first.

Also, $1500 for a new rudder is a bargain! Remember it's a B. O. A. T.

[engele]

Build it yourself. It does not have to be identical to the original, but if you can look around your area for another Pearson 26 you can look at, and maybe even measure you would be in good shape.

[SvenHee]

I am working on a way to be able to manufacture semi-custom replacement rudders kits that are to be fitted to the boats old rudder stock by the owner.

Would you be interested in purchasing a kit to replace an old blade with a new one?

I have nothing to sell at this moment but I am trying to find a way to measure interest.

The process will be something like this:

- Draw the outline of the rudder stock on to grid paper
- send pictures of this drawing by email, together with pictures of the old rudder
- With this data a new rudder blade will be milled from marine plywood or HD foam, a standard profile with a custom fit for the rudder stock
- The blade and stock will be bonded with slow curing epoxy
- finish the blade with epoxy and glass (optional for plywood)