I thought I'd share two separate problems I've had with my rudder. This will be of interest to those of us with older Cape Cutters, but I think even those with newer boats might bear this info in mind - certainly from now on I'll be taking a regular close look at my rudder!
Problem #1
A Cape Cutter rudder is made of marine plywood sheathed in fibreglass.
Last year I was coming past Hurst Point on the Solent when the tiller came away from the rudder. This was because a barely perceptible crack had appeared at the top of the rudder. Water got in and rotted the wooden rudder structure inside. This process was concealed from view, as the fibreglass sheathing of the rudder makes it impossible to know what is happening inside, but the attached picture tells the story.
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You can see that the bolt that secures the tiller to the rudder hasn't got much actual rudder structure to support it, and the constant leverage on what has to be a weak point will work to weaken it. Rest assured, it will come away when you least want it to!
If this happens, incidentally, there is no hope of repair. You're looking at a whole new rudder! Which ain't cheap.
I'm in discussion with Bob and Norma about fabricating additional steel supports to strengthen this area of the rudder. Meanwhile, you might like to take a close look at the area where the tiller meets the rudder for hairline cracks.
Problem #2
Ladybird is one of the later South African hulls. The rudder pintle mountings were not well made. Last weekend the lower one failed, followed by the upper one. We travelled from Bembridge to Southsea with no rudder, only the outboard. It would never have occurred to me to check the rudder pintles on a boat less than 8 years old, but it seems should have. Replacements are going to cost excess of £100.
Tiresome cost, but it's all still worth it, though!
Toby
CC31 Ladybird