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Rudder mold with a tapered stainless steel shaft in position
for the foaming process.
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The construction of our
rudders has changed considerably through the years in order to improve
strength, durability, and reliance. The closed cell foam core of
the rudder has remained the same. But the selective addition of unidirectional
fibers has increased the strength of our rudders, and the use of
Vinylester™ resins has eliminated blisters and the need for
expensive barrier coats. Here
is a closer look at how we manufacture our most popular
line of rudders:
Rudder Construction Process

1. Our
employees begin the manufacturing process by sanding,
polishing and waxing the
rudder mold.
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2. After
applying Gelcoat to the mold, they apply a layer
of unidirectional fiberglass saturated with Vinylester™ resin.
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3. Once
the fiberglass has cured, they place
a tapered stainless steel shaft into the mold. Then
they pour
liquid foam into the mold and clamp both halves together.
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4. When
the foam has cured, our employees open the mold and
remove the rudder in preparation for final finishing.
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5. Next,
they sand the parting line seams of
the rudder, then apply fiberglass and Gelcoat to
the
seams as well.
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6. Finally, they
sand the entire rudder and prepare
it for the client's future coat of bottom
paint.
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7. When
the rudder is finished, our employees carefully pack
it in a crate suitable for shipping anywhere in the
world.
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For more information about our line of replacement
rudders, please call (714) 973-2878 or contact
us at our offices in Santa Ana, California.
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