Rudder Boards Rotten - what type of wood?

mpulsev10 · Post by **mpulsev10** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:18 pm

On the inside of my boat where the rudders go down into the hull the wood 2x6 posts are rotten and need replaced. What type of wood should i use ? I was told white oak, but i am not sure. Thanks !

gjrylands · Post by **gjrylands** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 2:53 pm

White oak was used to hold the rudder posts. It is very strong and should not be replaced with any other type of wood.

fpawn1 · Post by **fpawn1** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:12 pm

I noticed my wood needs replacement soon---how difficult is it to do?

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:19 pm

The verticals or horizontals?

I was think that some 3/4" x 6" Starboard would be a nice upgrade for the horizontals - and NEVER rot again.

Mine look bad as well, just haven't gotten to them yet.

gjrylands · Post by **gjrylands** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:52 pm

Starboard is not strong enough. Keep with the white oak. In 20-30 years you can replace it again.

hmc · Post by **hmc** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:31 pm

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:01 pm

I used oak

jordan · Post by **jordan** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:10 pm

I needed to replace mine awhile back, used white oak. White oak is strong, resistant to water and is still used in boat construction.

Dan Faith · Post by **Dan Faith** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 7:17 am

deffinetly white oak, It is not that big of a job but you need the stregth of oak. You can also go to rot doctor and purchase a sealer to paint on the oak and it will outlast you.

l7ty15 · Post by **l7ty15** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 12:25 pm

Found mine r rotten......Can u change them out while in the water ? Oh and any idea what the differeance between white and red oak is ?

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 4:54 pm

red oak not as strong and has a wider grain. The Navy still uses white oak. It's setting in Boston Harbor that's a test of time..

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