Damage to tiller arms at rudders end.
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2022 7:21 pm
hi All, I'm sailing Sparky no 317 at Pagham and have noticed I need to repair both Rudder tillers arms at the rudder end. I have 3 rivets on each which are loose and the aluminum is split/cracked and badly corroded.
I have two thoughts, either drill out, remove corroded area, fill and fit a aluminum patch and rivet on again. Or a little bit more drastic but could work ?? is to chop at an angle the 3.5cm that is damaged on both and I would then have clean undamaged aluminum to rivet and rebuild. I appear to have 4 cm spare at the other end of the tiller arm slider so it should work. Has anyone done this or will it completely ruin the whole thing. I recognise the rudders won't turn quite as far. Any thoughts most welcome. These are great boats, and this forum has really helped me in so many ways. Thanks
I have two thoughts, either drill out, remove corroded area, fill and fit a aluminum patch and rivet on again. Or a little bit more drastic but could work ?? is to chop at an angle the 3.5cm that is damaged on both and I would then have clean undamaged aluminum to rivet and rebuild. I appear to have 4 cm spare at the other end of the tiller arm slider so it should work. Has anyone done this or will it completely ruin the whole thing. I recognise the rudders won't turn quite as far. Any thoughts most welcome. These are great boats, and this forum has really helped me in so many ways. Thanks