Rudders

Hoping for the best, but fearing the worst i have been working through my 485 checking for any weaknesses, potential problems, etc in the hope of relatively trouble free cruising further afield.

And so the rudder is crucial, and i am aware (but not in ips) that rudders can and do suffer from water ingress into the core and other weakness which can (but rarely) result in catastrophic failure.

So i am interested if anyone knows or has any comments on ip rudders generally and whether they are ever a problem area.

Does the lack of any comment imply that the rudders on IP's are bullet proof and that no one has really had any issues?

I would be very happy if that is so!

I certainly do not have a definitive answer for you, but I suggest that if you haven't done so already, search this site and the IP Home Port Site and the IPMail site for postings on this topic. Assume you've checked the obvious: all bearings, fittings, shaft/rudder stock, center seam, etc., and checked the rudder itself for internal moisture, blistering, etc. ML

Back in 2012 we pulled the boat and discovered blisters on the rudder. This was after being in the water for two years straight. Paint was, and still is, Trinidad SR. We removed the rudder for repair and discovered serious damage to the hull at the stuffing box. Apparently the boat had been driven hard aground while in reverse during its previous life in charter service. Read about the damage and repair here (ip42035-35.blogspot.com). This certainly isn't a common problem for IPs but the moral of the story is to routinely check all hull penetrations and bonding connections. Also take it easy when in reverse. And if you do run aground don't just shine it off. Visually inspect all areas affected both inside and out. Also, never ever ever buy a boat that was previously in charter service.
Tom Ward
IP420-35
La Vida Dulce