This was a very unexpected discovery, but one that was great to find whilst out of the water, rather than half way across an ocean! Would you have dropped it too with this much play?
Yes..I would..especially after some second opinions telling it is too much like happened with you. Great job done with some ohh glorious hacking, sanding, epoxy and fiberglass..absoluty!! I admired!!🎉❤And even being completly yummie on icecreams😂😊I had needed some external motivators to get me through this...already worrying that this would not be my first serious 'gulp' discovery at my boat (although that is a 'life-damaging' thingy..so maybe I became a fierce warrior dealing with it in force😅🎉)
Yes, that was the right call for safety and peace of mind! I'm just wondering... Being epoxied now, and noticeably heavier, would the eight bolts on the skeg be sufficient for the weight or should you replace them with some bigger, sturdier ones??. 🙄🤔
Yes, without question. There are very few things that are so catastrophic that, if they occur on passage, a jury rigged solution can’t be employed to get a boat to land…albeit slowly. A lost rudder is one of the few things that instantly make a boat completely uncontrollable and because of the hydrodynamic forces of constant wave action it is extremely difficult to manufacture a sufficiently durable or effective alternative. You’ve now seen first hand how robust the original construction was, so you’ll entirely appreciate the problem of coming up with an alternative that would have even limited durability and be able to hold the boat on any sort of course. Well done, it looks like a fair long term fix and you’ll be able to pick up on any shape tuning that it might need at any time you lift her again in the future. Cheers and again, well done! R.😎👍🍻
I am a retired engineer and sailer . Boats always deliver surprises, better found on the hard than in a 40knot blow with the rocky bit to leeward! You fix it and stop having to worry about it. I think you two did up a really good boatyard fix!
We would have been thinking about the rudder for the rest of this coming season if we didn't drop and fit it in Aruba. Thank you, that means a lot to us!
Back in the 70s I was sent on a two week sailing course on a three masted ketch. I don't know why they thought those skills would enhance my infantryman ability if WW3 had kicked off. I have never had the opportunity since then to put to use what I learned on 'Gladeye' but I thoroughly enjoyed everything except the sea-sickness and being without electrical power at night in the middle of the rather busy English Channel. I hope the relationship between Zach and Becka is not scripted because this is one of my favourite channels to go to in order to find normality and hope in a world gone mad. 3rd Wave Fems must hate it. Both are hands-on practically minded jacks-of-many-trades and masters of a few more. Capable and reliable souls who you could trust when the chips are down, is my impression. The contrast between Becka, and the 90% braindead mouth breathers of Bear Grylls 'Women's Island', could not be more profound. Please... do not introduce a pink-haired non-binary three legged ships cat. You are both stars!
I will say this. That rudder is WAY better then it was when it left the factory. Thicker tangs, gussets on them and the epoxy.. something that they did not have back in the day and way stronger than fiberglass.
My goodness. I’m in awe at your ‘ we can do this ‘ attitude. I take my hat off to you both. I would be aching for a week if I had to drop and refit my rudder. Would be a good time to have a go with your emergency tiller in case you lose steerage or the quadrant fails. Either that or treat yourselves to a slap up meal as a well done us treat !
@@TeuluTribe big day for me today. The repainted re rigged mast gets stepped today then I’m splashing and tuning. If there’s any issues I’m stuck here till after Christmas so 🤞
You two are making videos which are getting better and better. The balance between pictures and talk is good and the editing is worth every minute you put into it. Keep it up!
Loss of the rudder would be a major potential disaster. So glad you chose to fix it now. Well done on another major project completed. Safe sailing to Columbia, and then on to Panama! 😊
Outstanding! You two show good common sense in fixing the rudder and amazing skill, determination and patience. We know it’s not all fun and sunshine out there, so thanks for showing us the real sailing life. Cheers and Merry Christmas.
Even if you would have found out it wasn’t bad it still would have been worth it. You can’t sleep knowing that you don’t know if the rudder is going to fall apart. At the beginning I was almost talking to the tv. Telling you to take it apart. lol. You did a great job.
I am impressed by the young lady’s comprehension and explanation of the nature of the problem. I think that balsa is the wrong filler in this case. The rudder doesn’t need to be all that buoyant; a good,strong hardwood would be much better.
I am late to the party as I just found this channel, but I find it funny that inches are being used on what seems to be a Metric County. Love the comment about always opening a can of worms when you do something. Truer words have never been spoken.
Great job fixing that rudder. I love the look that Becka gets in her eyes while talking about tackling a largely unknown project such as this one. You really get up for the challenge, Becka, and it's so refreshing to watch. I also enjoy that you guys respect the quality of the initial work that went into building that yacht. That rudder came apart hard because it was so well built. You have a quality home in Teulu. Good episode. Stay well my friends!!
Hi loved the blog, best to things when they are spotted as it takes out some of the worry when sailing in rough seas, but Becka your a bad lass not using glasses when using the grinder!!. Bet it’s already fitted by now but I would use some molybdenum or dry graphite spray on the bare shaft seal, it all helps prevent corrosion plus it lubs. Any way nice blog, splash next week?? 👍👍🇬🇧🏴☠️
Zack/Becca, I have followed you during your search and since, I feel like you are living my dream. I have noticed that boat work always devolved into been more work than first thought, just the nature of boats and their environment. With your rudder repair, doing the fill with thickened epoxy one of you had said the job wasn't perfect, but it worked, its hidden behind layers of fiberglass, so it was as perfect as it needed to be. Hope the rest of your shore time goes exceedingly well and you get back to chasing waves.
Great job on the rudder rebuild! When we talked in Annapolis, I mentioned we just bought a new rudder for our 36' boat, which was nearly $4000, so you saved at least that much by doing it yourself. That's a lot of provisions, good choice.
The man who said “you always open a can of worms on a boat when you do something” I felt that in my soul haha. Keep at it. You’ll be back on the water.
Fell across this video when convalescing from a crappy Rheumatism flare up in the rainy and cold U.K. Well done kids (I say kids as I am in my 70’s and anyone 10 years plus younger, middle age and now old age. than me are kids)! I know you will be able to look back on this in your old age with humour and enjoyment. I had many similar adventures in my youth and I am now reaping the physical consequences so take care but above all love each other and enjoy your youth. For future reference passing a blow lamp or heat gun over epoxy can remove lots of bubbles
Mads has a video on how he rebuilt his rudder. Not sure how far down it is on his channel. But is a good video. After checking out many videos on sailboats, your steering system seem to be one of the more easy to work on. Glad you’re going to overhaul this before you splash. Stay safe!
Super job guys and you didn’t let it put you off your stride. You never know what you will find inside rudders but you have done a great job of a sound repair. No matter how well made rudders are prone to water ingress but apart from the corrosion and the loose tangs yours looked pretty sound. It will feel so much better steering now. Great to see the cat keeping you company for those moments when you felt you needed some comfort, nothing like a chilled furry friend to help you relax. Take care and look forward to seeing you put the rudder back and get in the water. Andy UK
Cheers Andy! I'm glad it turned out how it did in the end. It already feels much better when we are under sail😁 Not long until we are back in now, see you next week.
I suspect the original dowels weren't welded in because welding on one side would bend the shaft, where they went wrong originally was just threading some rod and screwing it into the shaft, really should have made dowels with proper shouldered connection points and fine threads, torqued in with loctite they'd be good forever. Considering where you are working and the tools you have to play with you've made a great job of the repair, oh and lets face it you now know what the thing looks like inside and what you'd be up for if there is ever a next time, win win and good job.
You did the right thing. It wasn't right and needed to be fixed at some point in the very near future. It's done now and one less thing on your minds. Clearly you've spent hours researching rudder repairs and your clip is a wonderful 'How to'. This has got me thinking that I really can't overlook the play in my rudder any longer. I dropped my rudder last summer until I found that the shaft was too long and that I would need to dig a hole. I'd better start digging.
First, thank you for such a long video to cover the whole process. Lots of extra work on your part. I must admit that I had my fingers crossed at the start of the project in hopes that it would be an easy fix. We are now certain that my finger crossing is of no real value. Sorry. Points for trying? 😁I thought the older gentleman nailed it. You open a can of worms whenever you start a boat project. Well done you two. Stay safe. Love the channel. ❤🙏
Knowledge is a lot better than cash, learning all the things about your boat by fixing it yourself is a lot better than paying someone to fix it for you because the lessons gained from failures and success in repairs will stay with you forever and could be applied in other areas as well. There is no end to the pursuit of knowledge and experience. Well done. I can really see it in your facial expressions. Just my two cents of an advice though, people sometimes tend to overdo (overfix) a problem, just because a certain material is technologically better does not mean it IS better, It may be heavier (disturbing the boat weight distribution), or be a different metal in reference to the main metal in your boat (enhancing corrosion). Please do not fall into the trap of overfixing and just do what is necessary.
Love how you guys aren't shy about tackling the tricky but essential maintenance jobs on the boat yourselves ... saving cash and learning so much on the way ... good luck with the final fit and looking forward to seeing you splash in next weeks episode
That was a serious amount of thickened epoxy!! My arm was tired just thinking about mixing it also well done on a great repair and exceptional shaping to get the profile with the epoxy! You saved yourself many sanding hours with those 'icing' skills.
You two scare the hell out of me sometimes, lacking some of the very basic knowledge but you always seem to pull through. Keep up the good work. I’ll be watching you… 😂👍🏼😎
Beck and Zack, it always happens eh. Once you think you are basically finished your work and ready to splash in within days you find another job bigger than you anticipated. You both did an amazing rebuild of your rudder and thankfully some great people to help in the marina. Hopefully once you complete the little touches of the rudder and refit back in. That should hopefully be it fingers crossed. You two have come a long way since departing the UK I'd say hooray. I'm no poet, but you know it. Okay I'll stop lol looking forward to next video and seeing the finished product and hopefully splash back in.
You two are smart beyond your years. I am very impressed with the go-getter attitude that you both have making a very smart decision while you were on the hard to take the time to pull that rudder and fix it right. A lot of people would have said well it's not really that bad You know we can let it go for a while but you two decided now is the time which was a very smart decision. I think the sky is the limit for both of you You're both very smart not afraid to venture into something that you've not done before reminds me a lot of myself I would rather try and tackle something myself then pay to have it done. Knowing your limit is key. God bless Hope you soon got the boat in the water and may you have many happy healthy and prosperous years to come Great job kids
Boat School For The Win imho. ❤ Rudder Play can be bad news for over working the autopilot, and reducing Weatherhelm feedback sensitivity feel for nice and early depowering of the Sails. It's a big part of why I will ever have a boat with Twin Rudders tbh. Never been a fan of Balsa or Plywood Sandwich laminate anything on a boat either. Best Wishes. Bob. ❤
Massive respect to take that project on. I would have been stressing out like nobody’s business! You seemed to take it in your stride. Seemingly you could now accomplish almost anything! 😊 well done.. how far you have come!
Your approach of “do it once, do it well” is very good; by far the best way to go. You’ll want to have complete confidence when you are crossing an ocean.
Good on you guys for tackling it and perhaps giving others the confidence to do the same. (Hopefully mine is good for the time being). Hope to see you back on the water soon with increased confidence knowing your rudder is solid as a rock.
Well done you two. I had to replace my rudder on our first boat but, as it was a free, 17' boat, it only cost me £180. Our rudder was totally crackered split from top to bottom and held together by wood screws and penny washers. I had to dig a hole in our drive to drop it.
I know its been a lot of hard work, emotion and pain, but it'll all be worth it! You've done excellent work, and made ol' Teulu a safer and better home than before! I've loved the boat yard videos, but this though was quite scary to watch tbh. a huge job, with a very successful completion you both should feel very proud. It's amazing seeing how far you've both come through your journey, be safe and all the best to you.🙏
A good decision to drop the rudder and to give you such peace of mind. It doesn’t matter what it looks like inside as you are covering it with layers of fibreglass, so it is pretty enough. You have both done a great job of repairing the rudder! Hopefully, any other projects you have will be a bit easier. Best wishes from Bonnie Scotland 🏴
A really good job well done. Adding those small gussets was brilliant. I hope that when you get to installing the rudder that the key in the shaft is a good snug fit, tap in with a hammer snug so when you bolt it up it is absolutely solid. BTW that rudder head came apart beautifully. I anticipated you having to grind it loose and make new parts.
Sad i'm afraid I've caught up with your channel. After watching from the start. Thank you! Becca is so smart but so fragile emotionally... Awesome work overall. Stay strong
First time viewer, not sure how I’ve missed you but this video was super helpful and encouraging. If the time comes to do this job, I’ll have a great reference point. Thanks!
Realistically the rudder wouldn't have come adrift, and could have been left for a while. That said, it was never going to get any better, the sea water ingress would only have caused more damage, probably requiring the expense of a new shaft and another hard visit in the USA. So 100% you did the right thing, and hats off to you both tackling this job, especially as Teulu is your home and it's not a trivial nor easy repair. You should both be very proud of yourselves
Bless you Mrs Becka 🙏 it looks like you are going to be adopted by the boatyard Kitty 😸and your training is coming along nicely , fetching water and giving loving cuddles and pettings to your new owner 🙏😸😺
Once again you both have approached the rudder concern in what has become a Z&B approach, logically, thoroughly, frugally, and cost consciously. The experiences of all these projects will make it all that more enjoyable on your future voyages as you become more confident with Teulu, and knowing the inner bowels of this vessel which will convert into a greater confidence , and less fear as to where you can take her. She will take both of you to "who knows where" interesting places around the globe.Good luck and always enjoy your "weekly".
Great job... well done. Not good going to sea with a dodgy rudder! Fibreglass layups on core materials in an outdoor yard environment are best done on a falling ambient temperature to reduce the risk of expanding air in the core blowing bubbles and providing water conduits. Hopefully that was not the cause of the bubbles under the peel ply, but some fairing compound will likely catch them if it was.
You guys are totally awesome. I love the attention to detail and the effort you put into doing things right. There will come a dark and stormy night while on a long passage when you will feel safe and confident because of the work you’ve put into this rudder repair. Well done! Safe journeys.
Excellent work! You are good! I think it will last like this for another hundred years. If the steering shaft is not crooked, there is no need to spend more on it. I hope you paid attention to the sealing and greasing when reassembling.
Genuinely impressed with your work so far. The rudder job being right up there in terms of applying skill sets and not to put too fine a point on it… ballsy! A big job to take on which many wouldn’t have even attempted on their own. Well done to you both.
Just found your channel and watching your rudder work. Congratulations to you both getting your Degrees behind you starting this project, Gosh! You have got your rudder to fit, I will follow you for as long as I can. Have a great 2024 sailing experience. Following you from Cape Town South Africa Best Wishes Errol Guard.
Apologies guys. Having read a few other comments. This is going to be a bit repetitive :) If you'd asked me an hour ago. Would I watch a YT video about fixing a rudder. I'd have laughed. However, you both did an expert job of presenting what you did and why you did it. It wasn't scripted and stilted the way a few YT'ers come across. It was like you were explaining to friends. No sound issues. No silly background music. An excellent 'how to' video from start to finish. With perfect editing. As to the job itself. When sailors lose their boats. In hindsight you can trace a cascade of individual failures that separately would not cause a sinking. But, together, possibly happening quickly, maybe in bad weather and/or close to a lee shore, will overwhelm a crew and end up with everyone in the water. And when the skipper looks back at the incident from start to finish. I imagine in many cases, they realise that with some preventative maintenance, they could've avoided a sinking. I've been sailing off and on, since I was eleven and the thing that scares me beyond all others, is a skipper with a casual attitude to safety and boat systems. Look after your boat and she will look after you. Isn't that what the old salts say :) It's a huge pleasure to see you both develop and grow over time. Thank you for sharing your experiences and wishing you many, many happy miles of sailing :)
Good job guys!!!! I’ve been around stuff like this for a while and that is a big job, but for whatever it’s worth, I’m proud of you on this project and think that you do a good job on the projects that you get into… sometimes you can overthink things and sometimes you just have to get in there and figure it out. Well documented as well and this video should help others
you did an excellent job...it's not easy to detach the frame and re-weld it, well done! personally, I would have put a sheet or two of fiber to wrap all the saffron in order to have a uniform bond...but you did a very good job...
Wow, that was a big one. I hope it all works perfectly for you. You two are so impressive the way you go about solving problems. These learning experiences, taking on new challenges are going to serve you well for a lifetime. I feel like a parent looking on, watching you two grow stronger together.
Thank you ..really enjoy your videos and the detail you put into them as well. Especially like the shot of your “ emotional support kitty”. Marvelous job guys, keep up the good work.. very glad you identified the rudder issue and addressed it properly.!!
omg my heart drop and so sad to see that your rudder was moving you but so much hard work determination and patience at least you have peace of mind now well done to you both luv u loads and thx
Hey, In between coats of Resin, Always sand of wipe with acetone... catalyst, cobalt and resin produces a wax byproduct that sits on the gel surface. It should be removed before the next laminate.. West System I respect for being purest... =no extenders Extenders are like cutting coke... ;)
Well done youngings great job taking a bit more time and effort always pays off down the track, Zac I love your it is what it is attitude and let's get on with it another great constructive video 😊
Mark mixed fuel over 3 months is better disposed of. It can cause detonation. As the octane drops off it makes it much harder to start or idle. Worth considering. Premixed fuel for extended time is bad news.
Landlubber Grandfather from Colorado, living vicariously with trepidation but mostly elation seeing your adventure, determination, and passion. Stream some Avalanche ice hockey for a change of pace, and we'll all keep watching you, with strongest regards!
The access to quadrant is excellent compared to many boats , be very thankful ! Becka, you mention epoxy in the rudder, let me assure you there would have been no epoxy used in the laminating and structure of you yacht. They did not need to be made with any epoxy , it’s 10 time to cost of polyester resins and always has been, I was working in a near by fiberglass yard to Colvic and nobody was using epoxy . Be thankful that your boat was well built, and even if you had launched the rudder would have been ok but fixing it is good! Tough luck but that the way it goes! Cheers Warren Ps be carful with epoxy and keep it off bare skin especially when you are sweaty as you can get contact dermatitis causing headaches and hives and you get it for ever. ( polyester resin does not cause this).
Great video / You are a very talented couple / stay positive and remember it is not the destination but the journey that makes the destination that much better.
Wow....now that was an enjoyable and educational video!! I love understanding how mechanical fixtures work and watching a rebuild. That was quite the job and impressive considering you two were doing yourselves! I am loving this adventure that you two are on. I told my wife of 39 years tonight that instead of going the traditional route of settling down and having kids right away, maybe this was something we should have considered!! She just smiled at me.
