• From: Sausalito, CA
  • Registered: 2006-12-06
  • Posts: 27

Topic: Replacing rudder cheeks

Hi all,

The rudder cheeks on Tess are checked on the top and I was thinking I'd fix them. I ran it by some wood working folks I know and they suggested just replacing them for a couple reasons: 1) it would be easier than fixing them and 2) it would be stronger, especially considering the torsion loads the cheeks carry. We have a local wood worker friend so it shouldn't be too much of a problem but I was just wondering if anyone else has done this. Anyone?

LaDonna & Rob

Check out our progress on 'Tess' at [url]http://contessa26.wordpress.com/[/url]

svsilentsun's Website

  • From: Lake Erie, Dunkirk, NY
  • Registered: 2005-03-11
  • Posts: 272

Re: Replacing rudder cheeks

What are your future plans? In a past thread on sailing around Cape Horn, smh stated the following on the rudder:
8. Replace the overweight rudder (80-90 pounds) with a carbon filament reinforced casting (design goal 35-40#). 
You can find this under Technical;Contessa 26 Cape Horn; smh #2.
Thought you might to think ahead if your redoing part of the rudder now.
jklee

  • From: Sausalito, CA
  • Registered: 2006-12-06
  • Posts: 27

Re: Replacing rudder cheeks

Rob's going to do the '08 Singlehanded TransPac and then we'll sell her. So while it would be ideal to beef up everything, it's not going to happen. We need to make her strong enough to take a pounding on the way over (not likely) and the way back (very likely). Thanks for pointing me to smh's post - good stuff!

LD

LaDonna & Rob

Check out our progress on 'Tess' at [url]http://contessa26.wordpress.com/[/url]

svsilentsun's Website

  • Registered: 2006-07-14
  • Posts: 14

Re: Replacing rudder cheeks

To me that is a non-problem and a non-worry.  I would fill them and paint or varnish.  I think that the bolts holding the cheeks together will handle the stress.  Make your tiller fit snug in between with spacers if necessary.  Possible thick rubber shim if needed.  If you have a large budget get your carpenters to make a brandy new one.  I personally would spend time and money else where.  Drink some of them beers in the bildge and think about it.  Cheers

  • From: Sausalito, CA
  • Registered: 2006-12-06
  • Posts: 27

Re: Replacing rudder cheeks

LaDonna & Rob

Check out our progress on 'Tess' at [url]http://contessa26.wordpress.com/[/url]

svsilentsun's Website

  • Jim
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2005-03-14
  • Posts: 24

Re: Replacing rudder cheeks

Rob & LaDonna

Yes, I replaced the cheeks. I did not find the job that difficult and was very pleased with the results.

The old cheeks had been glassed in but cracks developed resulting in delamination.
I ground down the glass and removed the cheeks. I then used the old cheeks as templates for designing the new ones. I used mahogany. After two years now, the cheeks look like new!
I attached a couple of pictures.
Jim