I Would "Rudder" Be Sailing!

Our horse trailer has worked out wonderfully as a storage unit while working on the boat. We don't have to trip over everything while we are working this way. We ARE still trying to sell it though, since we no longer have horses and it won't haul the boat.








Now it was time to work on the rudder which was missing. The original solid teak rudder was thought to be still around the marina by the marina's owner, but could not be found. Thoughts are now that either hurricane Isabel took it a few years ago, or somebody got a nice five-finger discount!

The new rudder has been welded up and the diamond shaped holes cut into it with a plasma cutter by local man for us. Next a special metal epoxy was applied before painting to help fend of corrosion and metalurgic erosion in the sea.




First, Howard formed a metal "shoe" to run along the front of the prow and keel to protect the front of the boat from damage against unknown obstacles along the bottom of the sea channels.











A close look at the new rudder. Thoughts had gone into making it out of stainless steel, but quotes were around $1,200.00! People want you to pay for full sheets of stainless and regular steel even if you only use a portion of it, and they plan to keep the leftovers to use but charge the next guy for full sheets also, what a rip-off. So, we bought the full sheet ourself and yet when trying to recycle the leftovers, worth over $50.00 they only wanted to give $9.00 so we just gave it away to friends at the Marina. Same problem for the shaft..everyone wants to make too much money off of boat owners.


Our friend, Curt, has been very helpful with finding items or people that have the equipment or supplies we need. He is also the person who has helped sand down the hull of the boat in preparation for rebuilding. Curt was allowed to use the Marina's equipment and therefore did the welding on the rudder for us. Thanks for all the help, Curt! This picture was taken during the "thinking" process of rudder design. Note that the rudder is still raw steel at this time.




Susan worked diligently on the window screens, although space was very limited. Next projects include a hatch cover, seat cushions, and bunk mattresses. The morning tempertures, however, have only been in the 30's and highs only in the 50's which makes it pretty chilly working inside the boat right now, but we'll keep working on her.

A lot of work for the little sewing machine, but it keeps on sewing.




The Rudder has the diamonds cut out in this photo and Howard is re-checking for any needed adjustments or alterations. Also had to install a steel bottom on the keel here to hold the bearing for the bottom of the rudder control.









Plate steel was set up and clamped into place with wood clamps during the "thinking" process before welding parts into place. Had to make sure the angle was correct for the rudder placement.