Irwin 54 new rudder manufacture using Vesconite

We are on the next stage of seeing a new and upgraded version of the original rudder on an Irwin 54,Charles Marine,Hout Bay, is handling the project and is doing a great job of bringing all the (many) required skills together,this is over the annual holiday period,so no mean feat at all.

The new heel fitting,the stainless is marine grade in 316,the bearing is in Vesconite,which is self lubricating and should never wear out,inside is a bronze disc with an upper dome shape for the rudder shaft to turn on.

Check Vesconite out at  http://www.vesconite.com/?gclid=CMapjavUjqYCFUoKfAodzCpP3A

It was decided to dump what was left of the original rudder,this included a total rip out of the internal structure inside the boat that supported the top bearing,we made up a marine ply kit for that and a specialist laminator fitted that bonded it in with epoxy and biaxial glass cloth.

A yacht specialist Charles doing a test fit of the new lower heel bearing shoe.

The new rudder has a longer shaft which allows a lock ring to hold the shaft captive inside the boat,we also had the machine shop mill out slots to accept the 12mm x 75mm flat bars which were then welded in place.The plys are the center core of the final rudder,our CNC shop is shaping the two outer faces,which will next be laminated to the core prior to a final power and hand plane finish and a coating of biaxial glass cloth and epoxy.

This is Tyk,Charles Marines head security officer,Tyk does a great job too!

The new rudder shaft and support webs.

With the 12mm marine ply center core fitted,Charles checks the new rudder for ease of movement,it is so free that the wind was able to swing it with some ease!