On slipping my 1997 Catalina 42 MK11 last weekend I discovered considerable movement in the rudder, movement to the point where it had cracked the fibreglass
at the base of the rudder post housing, both internally & externally, moving (forcing) it sternwards. I accept the boat may have been grounded at some time
but certainly not in my time of ownership (3 years) and I do not recall any noticeable movement when slipped just on 2 years ago. The boat has done a lot of
sea miles since then however. Assuming the "repair" to be relatively simple; i.e.drop the rudder, replace the worn bush, repair cracked fibreglass
& rehang the ruddder I discovered on dropping the rudder there was no lower bush! basically meant the rudder was hanging from the top & this has
permitted the rudder movement over time. This movement has elongated the base of the glass post housing creating the damage and indeed even allowing water in.
To repair we intend to "cut" into the fibreglass post housing near the base, repair & reinforce the damaged glass, insert a suitable lower brass
bush, insert, rehang & center the rudder and then fibreglass the housing back to a whole. I hope the finished job will be stronger than the original
arrangement however I am a little surprised at the original arrangement of no lower bush in the rudder housing. Just wondering if anyone else has had the
problem or would like to comment. No reply so far from Catalina themselves.
John O'Rafferty Newcastle Australia
John O'Rafferty Newcastle Australia
