1987 E34 rudder issues

[hdlEric]

Has anyone had experience with their rudder delaminating? The PO of my boat said there were problems with the rudder absorbing water when the boat is on the hard, and that would result in damage to the rudder. Presently there is some lateral and rotational play in the system; about 3/8".
Thanks for your time, Howard

 

[rssailor]

Howard,
If you have some pictures of the delamination, post them. If the rudder is moving independently of the shaft, you have a serious problem. The internal structure of your rudder that is welded to the shaft could be breaking loose. I would get an experienced fiberglass repair person(preferably someone who has fixed rudders before) to take a look at your rudder out of the water as soon as possible. You do not want to experience rudder failure. Ryan

 

[Christian Williams]

the rudder absorbing water when the boat is on the hard,

Perhaps he (the PO) meant swelling up, with bubbles. Rudders are not supposed to be exposed to direct sunlight, and should be covered with paper or something when the boat is hauled out. They heat fast and distort, often temporarily. Boatyards don't always pay attention and need to be reminded.

 

[hdlEric]

Howard,
If you have some pictures of the delamination, post them. If the rudder is moving independently of the shaft, you have a serious problem. The internal structure of your rudder that is welded to the shaft could be breaking loose. I would get an experienced fiberglass repair person(preferably someone who has fixed rudders before) to take a look at your rudder out of the water as soon as possible. You do not want to experience rudder failure. Ryan

Sorry no pics, but thanks for you reply! What makes things even more wonderful is finding someone to work on it will be like finding ye old snowball in hell.

 

[Jerry VB]

You can find a snowball in Florida; Foss Foam can make you a new rudder.

 

[hdlEric]

You can find a snowball in Florida; Foss Foam can make you a new rudder.

Thanks very much Jerry; I will give them a call

 

[hdlEric]

Does anybody have an idea how much a new rudder for an Ericson 34 might be???

 

[Grizz]

Morning. Sorry for the late reply, Loren alerted me to the question, just now getting to it, having unearthed the 2017 invoice; 5 years and a pandemic later, use these numbers carefully!

Finco Fabrication, Santa Ana CA PHONE 714-973-2878 Cal 40 Schumacher Design (Cal 40) $2,800, which included crate fee, shipping insurance and freight.

Finco was great to work with, responsive and accurate throughout the process. Good people IMHO. PHONE 714-973-2878 Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[hdlEric]

Morning. Sorry for the late reply, Loren alerted me to the question, just now getting to it, having unearthed the 2017 invoice; 5 years and a pandemic later, use these numbers carefully!

Finco Fabrication, Santa Ana CA PHONE 714-973-2878 Cal 40 Schumacher Design (Cal 40) $2,800, which included crate fee, shipping insurance and freight.

Finco was great to work with, responsive and accurate throughout the process. Good people IMHO. PHONE 714-973-2878 Hope this helps. Good luck!

Morning. Sorry for the late reply, Loren alerted me to the question, just now getting to it, having unearthed the 2017 invoice; 5 years and a pandemic later, use these numbers carefully!

Finco Fabrication, Santa Ana CA PHONE 714-973-2878 Cal 40 Schumacher Design (Cal 40) $2,800, which included crate fee, shipping insurance and freight.

Finco was great to work with, responsive and accurate throughout the process. Good people IMHO. PHONE 714-973-2878 Hope this helps. Good luck!

Hi Grizz.
Thank you so much for the information!! The phone number is still good.
Howard