The rudder is nearing completion. The blade has been fastened to the bronze rudder stock. The rudder shoe and gudgeons are fitting well. The issue of wear over time has been addressed by installing replacable high density plastic bushings, where the rudder stock meets the gudgeons and shoe. These bushings also ease the pressure on the helm.
Dave has dug a four foot deep hole to be able to insert the rudder stock up inside the boat. The process of inserting the rudder, which involves four strong lads, has been repeated several times while Dave makes his final adjustments.
A thin laminate of G10 will be applied to the feather edges of the rudder blade. The blade will be further protected by a layer of fiberglass cloth.
Photo 16 shows the rudder after fiberglass, fairing, and primer. In picture 17 you can see the rudder fully installed. Dave is fitting fairing flaps to ease the transition between the rudder blade and the stern post. Picture 18 shows the temporary clamping straps which will be removed once the 5200 cures. Picture 19 shows the glue up of the fairing flaps and Dave’s instructions not to move the rudder!