New info, just this week:
Rudder cheeks are available here in aluminum, brass, or bronze. You'll have to get in line for the foundry to fire up.
To find the seller, do a search for "bronze", "brass" or "foundry".
That's him.
Why not heliarc the broken-off part? (Or fabricate the missing aluminum part?)
BTW Welcome to the Forum! You picked the best boat in the world to mess about with!
In the whole scheme of life, the prices for new Sunfish parts are low. Check out other sailboat part prices! While the nylon cheek may break, I think I've read of one, the metal can get crusty inside from corrosion. We have no preference. And keep in mind that the nylon cheek has been around 20 plus years, 72 boats just raced with them in the Worlds a few days back. There are several used part sellers on the Forum and they usually chime in if they have the part. Or you can post a Wanted Ad by clicking the SUNFISH FORUM drop down box at the top of the screen.
When you say pin do you mean the pintle and spring that is part of the rudder cheek? That cheek assembly usually comes together with cheek, pintle, spring, retaining washer, lock clip and cotter pin. The newer pintle has the cotter pin added, that is definitely preferred. You heed to order the 2 pop up tension springs separate.
The fun part about restoration is you can stay classic and "period correct" or use the hull as your family's new canvas and have fun that way. VIPER got painted Kingston Gray and striped with adhesive backed sailcloth, the sail is from FX, for her US Navy VF-84 Jolly Rogers tribute scheme.
View attachment 34663
MERCI got Army Air Corps colors as a tribute to Al and Cort, the founders of ALCORT.
View attachment 34664
Fun boats, one stick one string. Providing smiles for 65 years
Have the girls named her yet?
Our last little boat (a CL16) was “Blondie” so “Blondie II” was floated. “Butt Muffin” or just “Muffin” seems to be the front runner right now. Daughters 17, 15, and 11... nieces 18, 16, 10, and 2. Nephew 4... I am not arguing with the process. I just order and apply the marine grade vinyl decal! They are also picking the new sail color which will define the stripe color if I add one.
I will find a cheek and pintel spring or I will just buy the nylon one I guess.
Psychologically I would rather buy a complete assembly as listed in the ebay add or even spend 2 to 3 x for the modern glass / aluminum version of the entire assembly than buy a bracket without a pin for $150. I am glad this owner has taken the time and talent to bring the forged parts into being but it’s outside of what I am willing to do in the name of logic in this case given the alternatives.
No doubt his costs are what they are and one day if these boats are no longer supported the niche of one off production may prove to be invaluable. As I see it now however, their are amble cashes of used parts out there. I will find one or buy the $90 one WITH the pin and spring. My haul up/down springs are intact and serviceable.
I will place an add and haunt ebay for now. This boat is not going to see the water until at least May. I have time.
Bill
There is no need to buy these parts when quality used original equipment is available from sellers on this board or eBay, or you can buy new (albeit plastic) from the Sunfish manufacturer.Thanks.
Looks like the seller is a member named “Eastlake and Vineyard LLC”
From their post “...cheeks start at $125.00 for aluminum, $150.00 for brass and $175.00 for bronze.”
Take care,
Bill
I love your corroded rudder cheek. It would go well with several members of the Flying Dutchman crew from Pirates Of The Caribbean.here is my broken and badly corroded rudder cheek I have mentioned.
Looks good. How much did you scoop out?
I just need a dimension or two.
Anyone know Vanguard Sailboats in Portsmouth RI? I bought this rudder from them on ebay and I want to match the finish in Cetol Marine if possible. Curious what they used...