Missing rudder? No problem
December 3, 2018 · 14 min · 111K views · Key West, Florida
What this video covers
After losing the steel rudder of the 200-pound-displacement vessel Good, Bad, and Ugly in Key West, the owner performed an underwater reinstallation without hauling the boat.11:48 The rudder had detached after becoming entangled with a crab trap line.0:59 To prepare the steel for reinstallation, the crew scraped off old growth, filled surface pits with JB Weld Steel Stick, and applied anti-fouling paint purchased from West Marine.2:47 Because the rudder does not float, the owner used a bumper lashed to the unit to provide buoyancy for underwater maneuvering.7:01 The installation required multiple attempts due to incorrect bolt sizing and heavy chop from passing jet skis.10:19 The final assembly utilized 3/8-inch stainless steel bolts and lock nuts.13:15 The owner advises allowing ample drying time for anti-fouling paint to prevent chipping during installation and emphasizes the importance of checking local current conditions before attempting underwater repairs.13:34
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