Eternal Sailing · video

What this video covers

The owners of a 40-year-old Zettler 34 Wanderling perform a major refit on their rudder and skeg while hauled out in the Caribbean.0:08 After struggling to source a metric bearing for the rudder shaft, they modify a 40 mm unit by grinding down the outer diameter and pressing it into the housing with shims and manual force.0:48 The crew reinforces the skeg by applying multiple layers of fiberglass mat and epoxy, using peel ply to finish the surface.14:11 They also address potential hull weakness near the keel, likely caused by past groundings, by sanding the existing coppercoat with 40-grit paper to prepare for new epoxy and antifouling.7:36 The team applies Interprotect primer from International, followed by antifouling paint.16:02 Additionally, the crew assists another boat, Samira, in repairing a rudder damaged after the vessel ran aground on a reef.9:12 This repair involves cutting open the foam-core rudder blade to inspect the internal structure and planning a rebuild.9:57 Proper shimming and alignment are critical when reinstalling the rudder to ensure smooth movement.5:54

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