[Rhodes22-list] rudder construction and repair

[Joe Babb]

Anybody familiar with the construction details of the Rhodes rudder?  
The reason I ask is that ours appears to have some cracks along the 
leading and trailing edges that allow water absorption.  After the 
rudder has been in the water for a day, there is discoloration in 
certain areas and once the rudder has been out of the water these 
localized areas change color until several days later when dry again.  
Sorry I don't have pictures at the moment.  Now that I have the rudder 
off the boat and look at it in good light, I can see the cracks in the 
edges.  They are about 4 inches long.  I will need to sand down these 
areas to see what's going on.  Question is, what's the best repair, 
which is why I'm asking about the construction of the thing.  I can see 
some fiberglass where the antifouling is worn off.  Will sanding down 
and filling cracks with epoxy be the correct thing?  I've thrown this 
out to the group as I understand Stan was having difficulties with 
comcast emails.
Joe
Harmony, recycled 2008