significant water ingress to the bilges - 32-3

[Prairie Schooner]

When we purchased our boat the surveyor recommended installing one. He described its value primarily as a deterrent to rope getting caught in the space between the skeg and top of the rudder, as Captain Pete describes. To that end, I'd think it should be a good deal closer to the rudder. But we haven't put one on yet. If things go to pattern, we'll probably close that gate after some cows get out.

 

[Dave G.]

Oh, it's for the rudder...doh ! I was thinking prop fouling prevention. That makes more sense now. Not sure I would penetrate the hull to install one though. Maybe epoxy something to the bottom would work ?

 

[peaman]

The way @nquigley’s is installed, I would think a snagged line would very likely end up hung on the rudder shaft anyway. A more effective solution would be to have something very close to the rudder itself: close enough that the line could not get up on top of the rudder.

Personally, I don’t really see a need for anything. But if I did, I would consider a metal (stainless or bronze) or heavy fiberglass triangle with a flange on top for bolting into (and maybe not through-bolted) the bottom of the skeg. The triangle would be placed maybe 1/4” forward of the leading edge of the rudder. Removable for rudder work. A metal one could have a sharpened leading edge with the idea of cutting through a smaller line.

 

[Christian Williams]

Here's a 32-3 rudder. Not much gap. Also, my 381 rudder. Even less gap.

Line caught there is not a problem I have had.

Since rudders typically float, even less gap when in the water.

...

True, the leading edge opens when a balanced rudder is turned, but I don't see how any preventer fitting could protect against that.

 

[Kenneth K]

If it has a hex head on the top of it (inside the hull) can you try tightening it?