Sad and stranded sailor

[Athanasius Schnee]

This is my 3rd summer sailing my old, second-hand Sunfish, and I was just beginning really to get the hang of it.. and I love it! But my rudder cracked. So I found another old rudder, but it doesn't fit precisely. How do I know exactly what to get so that it works? And do I need a new one? Would a new one even fit?

Or...is there some miraculous substance you can use to fill the crack in the wood?

Please advise: I'm dying here on dry land!

 

[Alan S. Glos]

Your rudder blade looks pretty well shot and the tiller handle shown in your photo is not a true Sunfish design. I can sell you a fully reconditioned Sunfish rudder assembly here on the Forum "For Sale" page: Wood Rudder Assemblies and Wood Daggerboards For Sale

Alan Glos
Cazenovia, NY

 

[Nicholson58]

You could use filler and glass - epoxy to rebuild but it would be easier to buy, replace or make a replacement blade from several decent woods.

 

[LVW]

Try a local high school that has a "shop class".

Sometimes, they'll make you a perfect replacement--all varnished at no charge!