Does anyone have experience or recommendations regarding HDPE as a replacement for a standard fiberglass rudder?
Thanks
Wayne
HDPE Replacement Rudders
Moderator: KenKrawford
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- Posts: 615
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- Location: Atlanta, GA
Re: HDPE Replacement Rudders
Welcome Wayne.
No direct experience using HDPE as a rudder material but my knee jerk reflex would be that it's not the best for this application. I assume this would be or was a custom job. Any more pertinent details?
No direct experience using HDPE as a rudder material but my knee jerk reflex would be that it's not the best for this application. I assume this would be or was a custom job. Any more pertinent details?
Ken Krawford
Message Board Moderator
C350 # 351
Lake Lanier, GA
Message Board Moderator
C350 # 351
Lake Lanier, GA
Re: HDPE Replacement Rudders
Thanks Ken,
No details but I assume it's custom. Catalina Direct lists HDPE for the 34/36 but not for the 350. It reportedly improves handling but I also read a complaint about rudder flexing under certain conditions.
Wayne
No details but I assume it's custom. Catalina Direct lists HDPE for the 34/36 but not for the 350. It reportedly improves handling but I also read a complaint about rudder flexing under certain conditions.
Wayne
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- Posts: 615
- Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2005 8:54 pm
- Location: Atlanta, GA
Re: HDPE Replacement Rudders
Interesting comment about flexing as that was my initial concern. The stock rudder has a stainless "skeleton" encased in the fiberglas which gives it its strength. Are you going to be doing a rudder replacement or buying a boat with an HDPE rudder?
Ken Krawford
Message Board Moderator
C350 # 351
Lake Lanier, GA
Message Board Moderator
C350 # 351
Lake Lanier, GA
Re: HDPE Replacement Rudders
I'm trying to buy a boat that apparently needs a new rudder. It sounds like HDPE introduces an unnecessary risk at this point.
Thanks
Thanks