OEM Rudder Repair

I am working on restoring a 1981 H16, and one of the rudders is cracked where the pin from the rudder casting passes through it. It's an OEM (plastic?) rudder. Is there a way to fix this?

If not, there are several OEM rudders I have found with dings or chips in them, anyone know if there's a way to fix such imperfections?

I think there are many posts on here about trying to fix the original rudders, but from what I recall, not much will stick to them. You should check for some used ones on eBay or even locally. The chips are less of an issue if you are a recreational sailer. Maybe a little JB Weld as a filler, but you may need to replace it occassionally.

If you are wanting to race competitively, you will likely want a newer boat with all the upgrades anyway.

Good luck!

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Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"

I think your best bet for repairing is to screw the broken piece back onto the rudder using two good sized wood screws, one screw on each side of the rudder bolt hole. No guarantee this will be a lasting repair, but as stated above, adhesives have a tough time bonding to the lexan rudders, so mechanical fastening is probably the only option.

sm

Did it break completely off? SRM, will epoxy not stick to lexan???

Nate, where are you located?

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Epoxy will not stick to Lexan. Lexan is too flexible and has low surface energy (no chemical bond) - sort of like Delrin or Teflon.