Here is another thread on the Foss foam and IDA sailor replacement rudder from the Hunter 28.5 website

Cliff Ruckstuhl
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 5:51 pm Post subject: The Foss Foam Rudder

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The Foss Foam Rudder is a foam rudder made by 2 halves being glued togather. In most cases they fail, when they fail they then absorb water. In the cold states where it freezes we sometimes go to the boat yard and see tennis ball size bubbles on our rudders and when hauled in the fall the rudder will seep water for weeks. Some have drilled holes in the bottom to let the water seep out and then caulk it back in the spring.

I worked with Joel at Ida Sailor Marine now listed on the web site to get a nice performaced minded replacement for the 28.5. What I got was a rudder that has a lifetime warrenty and one that makes the boat sail like a new boat. It tracks very well and has become very responceive. In 8-10 foot Lake Erie waves one only needs 3 fingers on the wheel to drive the boat. Gone is the being over powered feeling when the boat is sailing in some strong wind.

The new rudder is the best of lift vs drag percentage the foal section is thinner with a better profile meaning it is more like the wing on a glider. Since it is the same sail area as the old rudder PHRF only knocked me 3 seconds/mile for the rudder change since it was not of the same design and this was a very good trade off.

Cliff

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Joined: 27 Dec 2005
Posts: 6
Location: Stockton Lake, MO
Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:01 pm Post subject: Rusty Rudder

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The original Foss Foam Rudder is a piece of #%@*.

They eventually split a seam or absorb water and freeze over the winter. Th blisters are evidence of the moisture trying to find its way back out as the rudder warms up in the spring. Unfortunately, the rust is evidence that the stainles steel is under attack. In the off season, you can try to dry it out by taking it inside, drilling a serries of holes in both sides of the rudder to let the thing try to dry out in a warm spot in your house or basement. In the spring before launch, you can fil in the holes and reface/reseal the rudder with epoxy coatings, including routing out the joint at the junction with the rudder post.

Ive done all this and more! Still have a few weeping holes or blisters which I puncture and dry out and try to seal up before launch every year.

I think Cliffs replacement was more like $800 and that was a couple years ago. If you keep after it it may never corrode the fingers attached to the post inside the rudder. Between the rudder and that cast iron keel we will always have some springtime bottom prep onno ur 28.5s.
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S. Sauer

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Cliff R



Joined: 26 Dec 2005
Posts: 7
Location: Catawba Island Lake Erie
Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 4:44 pm Post subject: Ida Sailor Marine Rudder

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Joel is selling the new rudder for $998.00 plus shipping. You have 3 choices remove and fix the Foss Foam Rudder and chances are it will do the same thing. Buy a new Foss Foam Rudder (why) or buy the Ida Sailor Marine Rudder. If you can get a chance to sail a boat with the new rudder you will be amazed at the difference it makes. Dan Moore installed his new rudder in the Fall and he should be launching his boat soon. He sails on Lake Erie and if you are thinking of doing the change going out for a test sail with him will be well worth the trip. I also think Dave in Wisconson installed one as well. This is a install it and WOW type of this.

The difference is really night and day. The boat points a little higher and you will drive in 15 knots of true wind speed with 2 fingers on the wheel. Boat turns better and is more reponsive. I am not sure how many have been sold but they are worth the money.

Cliff