I have a 1887 Catalina 25 that I am redoing a lot of items on and yesterday I was looking at the rudder and discovered a loose bolt (forward hole was worn) in the bottom rudder post fitting. I have purchased larger SS bolts to redo. I plan to reseal it with clear silicone as I assemble it. Is the rudder solid fiberglass? I cannot tell from looking at the holes and I have not drilled them out yet. Is there a better way to get this done?
Second the 'no clear silicone'... try not to use anything that smells like vinegar on a boat.
__________________ ".. there is much you could do at sea with common sense.. and very little you could do without it.."
Capt G E Ericson (from "The Cruel Sea" by Nicholas Monsarrat)
I take your advise, but am wondering why silicone is not recommended. I did drill out the holes for the larger bolts and it appears that they are solid fiberglass in that area.
You can contact Catalina if you really want some details on the construction of the Cat 25 rudder. Most rudders for boats of that size (and larger) consist of an aluminum or stainless shaft, a metal grid welded to the shaft, foam interior, and a fiberglass skin.
Silicone doesn't seal well over time. When it has to be redone nothing will stick to the place where the silicone was as there is a residue left behind - sanding would be required remove it. Even new silicone won't stick to it well.
Silicone was touted as a miracle product in the past but now we know better.
The only place it should be used on a boat is for sealing acrylic/polycarbonate ports and even then something like Dow 795 which is not the same as marine store silicone.
5200 is the other product to stay away from as it makes removal difficult, often pulling gelcoat off with it.
__________________
Brian
Living aboard in Victoria Harbour
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