[abrahamx]

My rudder has moisture in it and I finally decided to drill some holes in the bottom to allow it to come out as it is blistering the side and comming out anyway. I started to drill a hole and went in about a half inch. It still seemed I was drilling into fiberglass and I did not see any water leaking out. I was afraid to drill further without checking with someone else. Is it common to have that much glass on the bottom of a rudder? Should I drill deeper till I see some water or what is the deal. Tartan 30. Thanks for any help.

 

[MikeOReilly]

Someone who knows your boat might have better advice, but I don't think there is any problem drilled deeper. You could also try moving up the rudder a few centimetres and drill there.

When I drilled out my rudder a couple of seasons ago I couldn't get right underneath it, so I drilled on the side, up an inch or so from the bottom. I also tried going in on an edge, but found there was so much fibreglass that it was too hard to get through.

 

[Minnewaska]

You want to be careful that you don't drill into the interior web. Can't say where it is inside your rudder. Further, the water penetration is not necessarily at the bottom.

 

[abrahamx]

You want to be careful that you don't drill into the interior web. Can't say where it is inside your rudder. Further, the water penetration is not necessarily at the bottom.

the water is at the bottom though. I can see two big cracks/blisters on each side toward the bottom with water comming out. I was going to wait till next spring to drill it but after seeing that I decided to do it now. Just figured I would only have to drill in about a quarter inch or so and wanted to make sure I dont I dont mess anything up before going further. I may go back later tonight or tomorrow and drill further. I figured I would see water pretty much right away.

 

[abrahamx]

Someone who knows your boat might have better advice, but I don't think there is any problem drilled deeper. You could also try moving up the rudder a few centimetres and drill there.

When I drilled out my rudder a couple of seasons ago I couldn't get right underneath it, so I drilled on the side, up an inch or so from the bottom. I also tried going in on an edge, but found there was so much fibreglass that it was too hard to get through.

How far did you drill in and did you see water fairly quickly?

 

[azguy]

why not just drill out the blisters since you said they are weeping anyway..

 

[abrahamx]

Yea, I guess you are right. These are just big cracks about a good 2-3 inches in dia. Its just a big spider web type crack with water comming out the middle. Should I just use a hole saw and cut out that portion, then let drain and reglass. And exactlly how do I go about reglassing/fixing the wholes. I have no pics but will add some today or tomorrow.

 

[MikeOReilly]

How far did you drill in and did you see water fairly quickly?

The skin of my rudder was about 1/3" glass. Drilling in on the side produced water right away (a gusher in my case). Minnewaska point is well taken. I found my rudder had a two or three different cavities with water in them. My guess is that my rudder had had water for a long time, and went through various freeze-thaws, creating some voids in the foam.

I wouldn't hole-saw your blister, at least not right away. Just drill a small hole (1/4" or less) to start. Go in lightly. The skin is probably not very thick. Later on, once you've drained the water, you should grind out the blister until all the cracks are gone. If you've gone very deep you'll have to repair using layered glass and epoxy. But for now, just drill your hole and see if you hit the gusher.