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Anyone antifouled their rudders? Gotta replace the DB this weekend (will post pics of the old one) and going to AF it, and was considering doing the rudders while i've got the paint out. any thoughts? Mine get a little green after a month or so.

I did, and think to paint them white again. Every time i use swimladder i getting blue...

Excellent point

Hi Bob,

Do you leave your rudders down while at the dock? I always just pull my rudders up when the boat's in the slip, and they're fine.

I did just seal the bottom with four coats of epoxy sealant, plus antifouling. I went used Pettit Protect for the epoxy, and Pettit Hydrocoat for the antifouling, which is water based. It is an ablative, and so will likely have the same effect eddy pointed out if someone brushes the bottom with their foot while swimming. But I do feel better about having a coating on there, especially since I leave the boat in the water for the summer. At the end of last summer, I did see a few tiny blisters starting to appear in the bare gelcoat, so I wanted to make sure I took care of that before it got worse. With the sanding prep from the epoxy, and then these six layers on the bottom, I feel a lot better about my baby's bottom being in the water all season...

I elected not to paint the rudders, or center board, because I can pull both of those when not sailing.

Cheers,

Joe

Unless I'm somewhere shallow I leave them down. Leaving them up in the marina is a good way to get them damaged by someone who goes astray. I did paint mine but I agree it's dirty getting in or out sometimes. They are pretty easy to get access to for cleaning. I never did paint the dagger though. Having replaced it twice already I figure I will destroy it before it gets too dirty

I elected not to paint the rudders, or center board, because I can pull both of those when not sailing

I am in the rudders up when slipped camp. The edge of the centerboard on the x is still in the water when retracted though, and if you are in an area of fast growth barnacles can jam it up.

robbarnes1965, Good point. I hadn't ever thought of that, but yes, hoisted rudders are exposed to others' follies while at the dock. Considering my stern points out toward the creek entrance to my marina where boats have to make a somewhat tight turn to come in, it's definitely something to think about. Thanks.