Wind Hippie Sailing · video

What this video covers

To address a knocking sound in the transom-hung rudder of the 30-ft sailboat Gekko, the owner hauls the vessel at Rosshaven in Townsville, Australia, to replace worn bushings.0:32 Because the rudder’s bottom mounting plate features captive nuts that spin freely, the repair requires cutting access holes into the fiberglass skeg to reach and remove the hardware.9:37 After removing the rudder, the crew cleans the assembly, replaces the corroded bottom plate, and installs shaft repair sleeves to compensate for slightly oversized replacement bushings.17:16 To seal the access holes in the skeg, the crew inserts custom-cut PVC foam board plugs, coats them with epoxy mixed with colloidal silica, and finishes the surface with additional resin.21:20 The project also involves removing the wind vane and solar panel to clear the workspace, followed by applying three coats of antifouling paint to the rudder and skeg.4:34 Using high-quality 316 stainless steel hardware and nylock nuts ensures a secure, long-term connection for the rudder assembly.18:05

Boats in this video

More from Wind Hippie Sailing

The Red Bastard Strikes Again WHS189Sept 2026Holly vs Entropy WHSE188Aug 2026Here there be Whirlpools WHS187Aug 2026In and Out and In Again WHS186Aug 2026

From Wind Hippie Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.