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Wood Deterioration Near Rudder Post

Framing, planking and fairing. Repair, or reconstruction. If it's hull related, you'll find it here.

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paul.stone
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Wood Deterioration Near Rudder Post

Post by paul.stone » Thu May 26, 2022 1:00 pm

Any suggestions on how to repair wood deterioration near the rudder post? See attached photo - the wood has been gouged out (rotted or hit something) of an area near the rudder post of about 3 sq inches and 7/16" to 1/2" depth (max). The gouge does not go through the hull, and I'm sure there is a backing board behind it for the rudder post bolts. That said, I would like to reinforce / repair for both structural reasons and to avoid further deterioration. Would a West System epoxy (with fill) work well here? Do I need to clean out (e.g., with a chisel) prior to using the West System epoxy? Any suggestions on which West epoxy?

This is a new boat for me - 1965 Chris Craft 17' Classic Water Ski Boat. Thank you. Paul
20220526_Wood Deterioration at Rudder Post (1).jpg
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20220526_Wood Deterioration at Rudder Post (2).jpg

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Banjopilot
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Location: Gainesville, Georgia
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Re: Wood Deterioration Near Rudder Post

Post by Banjopilot » Sat Jun 11, 2022 7:40 am

That is the perfect situation to use epoxy resin (not polyester) to fill and preserve that section of your hull. To do it properly, you should :
  • 1- Remove the rudder assembly,
  • 2- Strip away all the paint in the surrounding area,
  • 3- Treat the bare wood with a penetrating epoxy
  • 4- Fill with thickened epoxy
  • 5- Sand smooth and repaint (I'd use an epoxy barrier coat followed by a good quality bottom paint)
  • 6- Replace rudder assembly with new silicone/bronze hardware.
Should last another 20 years or so! :wink:

paul.stone
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Joined: Sat Sep 26, 2020 9:51 am
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Re: Wood Deterioration Near Rudder Post

Post by paul.stone » Sat Jun 18, 2022 9:23 am

Thank you. Very helpful.

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