35-3 Rudder Drawing

[Gary Gilbert]

Need to replace the rudder on my 1987 E35-3. I can't get good measurements off the old one. The bottom is to damaged. I am looking for a drawing with measurements so that I can have a new one made. Thank you.

 

[Loren Beach]

You might want to use this as a "neutral cost" moment to upgrade to the Schumacher "Cal 40" elliptical rudder. Others have done this and even sometimes used the same armature and post. I have no idea how much possible upgrade this might be on a Mk 3, but E-35-2 owners seem to love the result.
Follow up question, was the old rudder blade a standard or shoal draft version?

 

[Gary Gilbert]

It is a shoal draft, but I thought both used the same rudder.

 

[Dave G.]

I am pretty sure Foss will have the drawing for your rudder as I think they made the original one. They're in SoCal so shipping might be pricey though and I'm thinking they wouldn't hand over their drawings. But hey give them a call.

The Foss Company Makes Quality Sailboat Rudders and Dagger Boards that Can Be Shipped Anywhere in the World from Newport Beach, California

The Foss Company Makes Quality Sailboat Rudders and Dagger Boards that Can Be Shipped Anywhere in the World from Newport Beach, California

www.boatrudder.com

 

[AK67]

Agreed on Foss, but depending on the damage, a good yard should be able to rebuild/repair for a fraction of the price. I looked into replacing with a new Foss but had my rudder (E28-2) rebuilt. Very happy with the results.

 

[Out There]

I contacted Foss Foam Products of Florida and they said they had no mold for the 35-3 rudder, i'll sail with my delam for that money. Maybe the CA side is different?

We would need to make a mold of your existing rudder. approximate pricing would be $1,500 to make a mold depending on the condition of the existing rudder. A new rudder and stainless shaft would be in the $3,200 range. Shipping would be $375 each way from a commercial address if under 8 feet long. Lead time would be about 3 to 4 weeks.

 

[Dave G.]

I contacted Foss Foam Products of Florida

SoCal is different company. They will have it.

 

[Loren Beach]

SoCal is different company. They will have it.

This bit of ID trivia seems to pop up across sailing forums, It is baffling why the companies have not been able (or motivated) to better differentiate their trade names. I wonder if there was a past confrontation that prevents this. (?)

 

[Dave G.]

It is baffling why the companies have not been able (or motivated) to better differentiate their trade names. I wonder if there was a past confrontation that prevents this. (?)

Technically their names are different. SoCal is "The Foss Company", & Florida is "Foss Foam Products". And yes they were the same company at one time long ago. There was some sort of family squabble and they parted ways.

 

[ConchyDug]

Yeah weren't they brothers or something?

Get the Schumacher upgrade and let me know how that goes! I've been pondering the idea of upgrading to it. I'd bet the Cal 40 that won the overall on the TransPac a few years back had the newer rudder.

Also PYI, inc makes rudders if you need another builder.

 

[Dave G.]

i'll sail with my delam for that money

Yep they're pricey. $3k is probably the number give or take. What happened to yours ? Is it structurally all there ?

 

[Out There]

Yep they're pricey. $3k is probably the number give or take. What happened to yours ? Is it structurally all there ?

Sailed on it all summer just fine, It has a delam issue from the tap test and the PO drilled some holes at the bottom to drain it. It would probably be cheaper to have it rebuilt by someone who likes and is good with fiberglass

 

[Dave G.]

I had to do similar repairs. I dropped the rudder and brought it home for the winter to fix it. Depending on how bad the foam is will determine how big of surgery will ne needed. I found this video below("How to rebuild a foam cored rudder") which is a MAJOR job but was very useful in finding what the scope of the repair would or could be and also what type of a materials and procedures are involved. Mine was a minor void here and there and didn't have to cut open the entire shell. I think I ended up spending less than $200 on materials and probably 15-20 hours of actual work time. Came out great, and I was glad I didn't spend for a new rudder ! Check it out, I'm sure it will help you.

How To Rebuild A Foam Cored Rudder

More video's to this series will be added showing the start to finish process for this type of repair!

www.youtube.com

 

[Gary Gilbert]

Lots of good information.
Yard says the post is bent. They don't want to try a repair. They have contacted Foss Foam who offered an original or a Schumacher.
3 questions:
1. Did the E35-3 and E38 have the same rudder in 1987?
2. Does anyone have drawings?
3. The Schumacher rudder has been used on the E35-2, has anyone put it on an E35-3?

 

[Loren Beach]

3. The Schumacher rudder has been used on the E35-2, has anyone put it on an E35-3?

Advice from way up here in the 3rd balcony would be to use the well-received/admired Schumacher rudder if you can. It is a better design for the Olson's and Ericson's it has been used on. I believe that the design combines better balance and what looks like an improved foil section. (OTOH my "beliefs" are not authoritative.)