Redrilling rudders

I'm new to fiberglass/epoxy work and after a search saw several different ways to go about this... question for the forum:

I have a West kit that includes (among other things) 105/206 epoxy packets and some colloidal silica powder. Is it Ok to mix up the West epoxy, add the colloidal silica to fill the holes and then redrill. Will this be strong enough or do I need to use a different filler (chopped glass, milled fibers, etc.)?

These are the white fiberglass "racing rudders".

Thanks for any guidance!

-Daniel

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

Yes, fill with epoxy. If it is thickened too much, it will not pour into the holes easily and you will end up with voids.

I really like to use West six10 which is pre-thickened and dispenses with a caulk gun. Cover the hole with a piece of packing tape on one side of the rudder and put a small hole in the tape. Then take the nozzle of the six10 and put it in the hole. Squeeze the trigger and fill the hole. The small hole in the tape will allow air to escape and you won’t get any voids.

sm

Thanks! West Six10 looks like a good option. Much appreciated. -Daniel

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

I have had good results with JB Weld (which is really epoxy).

Put a piece of tape over the hole, flip rudder over and fill old hole.

In this picture you can see at the top hole where I had filled 2 other holes in the past, before drilling the one for the best rudder rake. The JB Weld was not involved in the rudder breaking many years later.

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Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL