CD25 Rudder Removal

[Steve Bryant]

Anyone know how much clearance from the bottom of the rudder to the ground is needed to drop a rudder on a CD25? I have about 17" on the angle it would drop, but I don't think that will be enough room. It needs some fiberglass work around the rudder post and I'm trying to decide whether it would be easier to jack up the trailer or move it to a place I can dig a hole.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[jepomer]

The length of the rudder shaft that needs to be removed is 23 inches.
My CD25 rudder comes out with 22 inches between the bottom of the keel and the ground (still in "project mode").

[Steve Bryant]

Thanks for the info John,

Looks like I'm going to have to move the trailer and dig the hole.

I appreciate your quick response to my post.

[Astronomertoo]

Have either of you removed the bronze shoe from the rear of the keel yet? I may have to do the same thing, and would like to know the best way to remove the glass and epoxy from the shoe.
I will also have to dig a hole to drop mine.
Bob C
Moon Shine

[Jim Walsh]

http://www.cawthorne.org/Rudder.html
This might be helpful. You don't need to remove any fiberglass to access the shoe, just body filler (or whatever it is) needs to be chipped away to expose the shoe and pin. Once you grind the peened over heads of the pins flush with the shoe you use a drift to remove them and the shoe can be removed. Others have done this project and posted pictures on the forum. A "search" will result in many great pictures of projects.