Hi There, I broke the rudder launching through some big waves on Lake Michigan. I found a rudder blank at Wolfs Marine in Benton Harbor and re assembled the parts. Unfortunately the stiffness between the tiller and the rudder is gone. Has anyone else had a similar experience and is there a well known fix? I have tried to search this forum but no luck so far.
All the other hardware appears to be OK. One thing I have noticed is the forward end of the tiller sits an inch or two higher than it was before the replacement.
I have three "thoughts" on possible repairs.
I could replace the bolt that connects the tiller to the rudder with an over sized bolt to make it stiffer.
I could beef up the brackets/straps that connect the tiller to the rudder.
I could try to "fatten" the top of the rudder to make to make it stiffer between the straps and the rudder.
Any suggestions?
All the other hardware appears to be OK. One thing I have noticed is the forward end of the tiller sits an inch or two higher than it was before the replacement.
I have three "thoughts" on possible repairs.
I could replace the bolt that connects the tiller to the rudder with an over sized bolt to make it stiffer.
I could beef up the brackets/straps that connect the tiller to the rudder.
I could try to "fatten" the top of the rudder to make to make it stiffer between the straps and the rudder.
Any suggestions?