January 16, 2010 Jim sent in the following report (minor edits) and photos

I recently replaced the rudder on Aquila. The original rudder was constructed of fiberglass resin and mat. The shaft was bronze and the total weight was about 70 or more pounds.

The old rudder

It was pretty clear the boat would need a new rudder. Electrolysis had taken it's toll. I considered rebuilding or fabricating a new rudder myself but decided to to have  new rudder built by FINCO Fabrication of Newport, California. (Click here to go to their website)

The new rudder has a stainless steel shaft, a rigid fiberglass body shell filled with polyurethane foam and weighs about 25 pounds.

The boat has not been in the water since the replacment but I'm interested to see how the rudder performs.   I replaced the 2 stroke outboard with a 4 stroke, gaining about 40 pounds in the exchange. I hope the lighter rudder will help balance out the weight in the stern.

Jim Robinson

Click here to go to Aquila.

And click here to go to our Technical/Rudders page

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