Catalina 22 - Seized Rudder Casting

[dRabbit]

I recently purchased a 1984 Catalina 22. The boat was in great shape for a salt water boat. The only thing I had to do was clean off the barnacles and paint the bottom to get in useable condition. Everything else was clean, clean, clean. That's where I need some help.

Basically I have taken everything off clean it and put it back. (Yes I used marine sealer). The problem I'm having is with the rudder casting. Having a salt water history I wanted to take the rudder casting apart and clean it but I can't get it apart. I had to take a thin putty knife and dig the salt residue from under the rudder lock disc to get it off. The salt was so hard it took hours to accomplish this otherwise simple task. The rudder casting is a whole new problem.

I have tried everything I know to get the rudder casting apart except cutting the heads off the screws and hoping I will be able to drill and remove the screws with and easy out. I am reluctant to do this without asking for opinions from owners who have faced this same problem. If you have dealt with this problem before and have any suggestions I would be most grateful.

dRabbit

[PaulfromNWOnt]

High power pressure washer, and loads of time.

Give everything a good blast, let it soak for a few minutes, then blast again. Repeat as needed.

If it's 2 pieces of metal that are seized togeter with salt, then break out the grinder.

When dealing with salt, water and patience are your friend. I used to have to clean 18 highway salt spreaders every spring, and this was the hot ticket for getting it out of the tight spots.

Try up-ending the assembly into a trash can full of water.

[MacGyverRI]

You will also have "calcium" and regular "white vinegar" is one of the cheapest ways to get that off. Spray it on like wd 40 and let it soak in to dissolve the calcium. It may take time to work.

[OtterGreen]

Pb blaster

[Sailorman_glh]

I'll second the white vinegar. That stuff is amazing at de-calcifying something. The pressure washer will help, as will soaking it in fresh water such as the idea in the garbage can.

Try all of these as they're great suggestions, but the vinegar...try it first. Let us know how it turns out!