SO43 DS Rudder question

[Zanshin]

I had an unfortunate incident at sea last week - my rudder broke off completely and is probably now drifting northwards in the gulf stream. I managed to get a tow to Virgin Gorda in the BVI and have spent time trying to contact Jeanneau regarding getting a replacement rudder with no luck.

Would anyone have suggestions as to how I might be able to get a new rudder? Perhaps a direct email address at Jeanneau? I'm stuck here at present without a working phone and just a slow internet connection, so it is tough to call around.

Are there yards in the US that might have or build a rudder and then ship it? I'm more than a bit surprised at Jeanneau for not responding, as I'm sure the markup on spares is phenominal and more profitable than the normal sales channel...

[MalcolmP]

Zanshin

I have chased my contacts at the Jeanneau factory and they are asking Jeanneau America to contact you ASAP

I trust a speedy and satisfactory resolution will be found to this

very best

Malcolm

[Zanshin]

Thanks Malcolm,

I completely neglected to update this post. Sorry. I don't know if it was your assistance or serendipity, but I did get a response from Jeanneau.

It turns out that I was going through the company who sold me the boat, as they are Jeanneau's single biggest customer I assumed that this would expedite matters. Unfortunately, while I was waiting for either an update or a rudder (and invoice), they had just dropped the matter.

I had contacted Jeanneau France to no avail, but within a day of contacting Jeanneau USA, I got a replay from Gilles and all that I am waiting for now is a quote for shipping (I'm looking for a pricey airfreight since I'm stuck here) and then he stated it would take 1-2 weeks. I've arranged for the boatyard to haul and repair the boat once the rudder arrives.

[MalcolmP]

Glad that a resolution has been found

Trust repair goes smoothly

Fair winds

Malcolm

[Zanshin]

I'm still waiting on airfreight for the rudder, ostensibly it will be flown out here on tomorrow.

[Zanshin]

I received the new rudder 2 days ago and have installed it. Attached to this post are 2 pictures of the remaining rudder stock in the hull and after removal. So far the opinions seem to be mixed about the possible causes for the failure but generally I hear "this shouldn't have happened"


i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/ShiroAZ/StockCloseup_small.jpg


i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/ShiroAZ/ViewFromBottomSmall.jpg

A picture comparing old vs. new


i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/ShiroAZ/OldVsNew.jpg

This is a full frontal picture prior to any degreaser and acetone


i31.photobucket.com/albums/c390/ShiroAZ/FullFrontal.jpg

[MalcolmP]

Zanshin

Glad you have the new rudder at last.

Totally agree this should not have happened.

I have alerted my contacts at Jeanneau and they will be discussing with the suppliers of the rudder stocks. Obviously please retain the old stock for possible analysis

Malcolm

[Zanshin]

Malcolm - that is interesting, my email with pictures and an offer of the stock for analysis hasn't even been answered, so I assumed disinterest on their part.