The 2 reinforcement plates are made from a piece of 2” dia stainless tube.Read on for how this is done.

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First make a paper pattern. Mark the Rudder pivot location.

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Spray the back of the paper pattern with spray adhesive and stick it to the 2” dia stainless tube. Trace around it with a fine tip permanent marker. Center punch the pivot hole. Remove the pattern and repeat on the opposite side of the tube. Using a hacksaw, rough cut out the 2 reinforcement plates.

After rough cutting, use a grinder to shape the plates to the permanent marker outline.

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After shaping and polishing the reinforcement plates, you will need to slightly flatten the plate to fit the contour of the Rudder Head. I simply put it in a vice between 2 blocks of wood and flattened a little at a time until it was close. Don’t over flatten the plate or you will lose the benefit of the strength of it’s inherent curved shape. When you tighten up the bolt, it will draw up and fit the Rudder Head casting nicely. Next, drill the holes to accept the 3/8” bolt.

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The completed assembly, consisting of the 2 reinforcement plates, 3/8” bolt, 2 washers, brass bushing, and nylock nut.

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The 3/8” bolt is tightened up snug to the brass bushing. The stainless steel reinforcement plates help to strengthen the Rudder Head in the critical area where failures occur. The Delrin disc allow the tightened assembly to pivot relatively free.

Close up of the completed assembly.

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Sailing into the sunset, no worries, at least not with the rudder

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