Fantasia Rudder

[ianmoondance]

Firstly i would like to say Hello as this is my first post.

I only found the site today as i have a problem and was hunting around for information. It looks the sort of place where some knowledgeable persons may be able to help.

The rudder on my Fantasia, which is on a mooring in N. Wales. was damaged in the recent bad weather. Despite it being lashed up in the central position it looks as though its been banged against the stump on the boarding ladder so hard its broken in two. The bottom section has sheared away the pin on the bottom bracket and then been lost.

I now need to replace the rudder and bottom set of brackets.

Is any one aware of where the above might be sourced?

Failing that i will need to fabricate new parts. I already know a place that ive used previously for work in stainless steel so making the rudder is the next issue.

Does anyone have the dimensions or have a Fantasia in N. Wales or the N. West that i might be able to have a look at and measure up?

The existing rudder is made from 50mm ply. So far the max thickness i can find is 25mm. Does anyone know where 50mm could be sourced? Otherwise I guess it will have to be made from two pieces of 25mm which Im thinking of bonding with a suitable adhesive and then using brass screws or stainless bolts has anyone any thoughts on either method?

I realise that this is a big ask for a first post and would like to say thanks for any help you might be able to offer.

Ian

[tedp]

Hello Ian

If you need a new rudder or stainless steel parts you might try the following link (note this will load very slowly):

www.jeanneauparts.com/en/query.php?cp_sid=13882319b07b1&cp_tpl=main

Choose 'sailboats' from the menu, then scroll down the index page to Fantasia.

A complete Fantasia rudder is quite expensive from this supplier at about €2,500. But if you have the stainless steel parts you need, or order the right ones, make a rudder yourself from plywood. The exact size would have to be supplied by another Fantasia owner.

You can bond two 25mm sheets together using epoxy resin with a filler powder so it becomes viscous. Make sure you mix the epoxy carefully, then add the filler powder and keep stirring. Use an adequate number of glue clamps. You won't need screws as the epoxy bond is very strong. I used to have a wooden boat and I know what I'm talking about.

Plane and sand to shape and size, using the remains of the old rudder to get the cross section shape right. Then glass it in with a few coats of epoxy, finishing with gelcoat.

Hope this helps you along.

Ted

[ianmoondance]

Hi Ted

Thanks for the prompt and helpful reply.

Ive looked at the link and a replacement rudder does look prohibitively expensive, thats probably about 25% of the boats value but as you say i could at least get the brackets. I will also price for getting them made locally.

Unfortunately the remaining section doesnt have the profile of the shaped section so Ive still got a bit of searching around to be done

Thanks for the advice on bonding the sheets and finishing with epoxy and gelcoat. That looks as though it will be the way forward.

Ian

[MalcolmP]

Hi Ian

An option would be to search brokers to see where one is being sold near to you and out of the water - I would hope that a broker would not object to you taking photos and measurements

Ted's advice on fabricating thick ply is spot on as usual

Malcolm

[tedp]

That's giving me too much credit, Malcolm...

If you know the basic size of the rudder (draught and width/taper of the blade), you can get a passable profile from any rudder blade of a similar size boat. Make a template out of a sheet of thick paper, cutting it to size on the outside of the rudder. After shaping your new rudder, make sure you sand a flat about 2-3mm wide on the rear edge. That will improve the flow and reduce any vibration.

[ianmoondance]

Thanks for the replies.

Malcolm, ive been thinking along those lines and have been searching the boats for sale, I certainly will have a look at the register and send a few messages. I hope i dont offend anyone.

Ive got the top section of the rudder so i know the width and thickness and i think from maintainance etc that it was parrallel along the length. I can guess at the length being approx 2m and ive been looking at photos to try to work out where the profiling began but i would prefer more definate dimensions.

Ive found a local source of 25mm marine ply so i can at least get that and start to bond an oversized length.

Thanks for the tip about the flat edge, when i think about it I can remember the previous one being like that.

Thanks again Ian

[genef]

Ian,

Have you found a rudder and brackets yet for the Fantasia. I have a spare that came with my boat when I purchased it years ago. I doubt I will ever use it and would love to find some who can.

Let me know.
email me at [e-mail] if interested

Thanks
Gene