CM-38 RUDDERPORT/CORROSION

[jim_taylor]

<div>I HAVE A 1971 CM-38 THAT HAS A RUDDERPORT CORROSION PROBLEM. I
REMOVED THE 2 ZINCS FROM THE RUDDER ONLY TO FIND THEY WERE NOT
EVEN CONNECTED TO THE METAL PORTION OF THE RUDDER. THEY WERE
ESSENTIALLY CONNECTED TO THE FIBERGLASS PART OF THE RUDDER AND
FAILED TO PROTECT THE RUDDERPOST (OR ANYTHING ELSE). THE
RUDDERPORT CAP IS ON SO TIGHT (I WOULD GUESS IT'S NEVER BEEN
REMOVED BEFORE)I CAN'T REMOVE IT,(IS THIS RUDDERPORT DRY OR DOES
IF HAVE PACKING IN IT?) IT SEEMS THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO PROTECT THIS ASSEMBLY FROM
CORROSION. ANY SUGGESTIONS? THANKS!P.S. I WOULD LIKE TO OBTAIN CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS FOR THE CM-38
IF ANYONE HAS ANY OR KNOWS HOW I CAN GET THEM.
</div>

 

[jldonovan]

Mike,
The Rudderpost has packing; I do not know of any drawings but Catalina people can be helpful when you call them up (they have some stuff from the older CM's
I have not had zincs on my rudder and have seen no evidence of electrolysis around my rudderpost- maybe others will give you more clues

 

[aurora]

MIKE: My CM 38 (last one built) has packing at the top, none at the bottom. My boat has been almost entire life in fresh water so corrosion has never been a problem. Have had the rudder off several times, changing props, pulling cutlass bearings, etc. post always looks fine. Can't imagine how you could get a zinc on the post anyway mine has no room to do so that would be effective. If you could fashion some way to attach a zinc to the metal shoe that the bottom of the post fits into at the end of the keel you might get the protection you seek.