S2E32 test-hanging and painting the rudder

Today we’re diving deep into one of the more significant milestones we’ve achieved on our sailing journey so far – repairing and testing the rudder.

The Rudder Repair Journey

Let’s be honest, fixing a damaged rudder is no small task. It’s been a long road since we hauled our boat out of the water back in September with this repair looming large on our to-do list.

The Initial Discovery

Upon inspection, it became apparent that not only did our rudder need a major overhaul, but it also required meticulous attention to detail and precision in its repair. The extent of the damage prompted us to search far and wide for someone skilled enough to tackle such an essential aspect of sailing safety.

Craig Steps In

Luckily, we found our savior in Craig. His skills proved indispensable as he dove into the repair process with precision and thoroughness, ensuring every detail was taken care of. Through numerous test hangs to adjust the rudder’s fit and the angles of the penalis crucial part of this process.

Electrolysis Damage

Another key challenge was addressing the electrolysis damage, which resulted in a gap above one of our Delron washers. However, with perseverance and the addition of another washer, Craig managed to rectify this issue.

Preparing for Copper Coating

Brock’s suggestion to barrier coat the entire rudder was met with excitement. The process wasn’t without its challenges, though – maneuvering around the boat and climbing up and down the ladder proved difficult, especially given my splint.

Test Hang Success

The culmination of all these efforts came during our final test hang. Everything went smoothly, confirming that our rudder repairs were not only necessary but successful. With this task complete, we’re now primed and ready for the journey ahead.

Thank You

I can’t express enough gratitude to our loyal viewers for sticking with us through this entire process. This rudder repair has been monumental, and it couldn’t have been achieved without your support. Special thanks to those who have sent donations or signed up as Patreon members – you’ve made all the difference!

Stay Tuned for Future Updates

Tune in next week for an update on copper coating and other major boat preparations. We’re excited to share these upcoming milestones with you as we inch closer to getting our vessel back in the water.