BROKEN RUDDER! A Sailors Nightmare - S3EP17

In this episode we experience every sailors worst nightmare - a broken rudder! We have to haul out last minute and take you through the process of repairing it as quickly as we can.
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[@hottadanx]

Hang in there. The patchwork looks good. You will make it to Grenada, and you can then regroup. Keep smiling. you have a great smile Taylor. Don't hide that smile.

[@petercaras3696]

You guys are lucky. The last "patch" held for quite a while, and, if you had a pre purchase survey, it was hidden well enough that it was missed. Another lesson, always anchor with 360 deg of swinging room clear of docks, reefs, rocks etc. Rolly anchorages are not that comfy but hey, you're on a boat, not in a RV in a campground! People tend to anchor too close to shore and in too shallow water for "comfort" but in can bite you in the ass!

[@brucewitcpalek5120]

Well, well well🤔🤔 I guess the silver lining in this all is the “cool chairs” 😎 !! And remember along with the 🌞sunshine there has to be a little 🌧️ rain sometime !! a great job on the rudder !! Ceez Mate 🥂☺️✌🏼😎🥇🥇

[@stanleykeith6969]

Very Nice Job Taylor, I re-fiberglass an 18ft. boat one summer, what a lot of work. Lots of sanding and glassing and more sanding. I know something always goes wrong when you own a boat. I replaced an V-8 inboard, all the seals on the rudder and the prop shaft seals. You guts did Great. I Love to Fiberglass. I have been watching you when you and the other girls where on Bobby's boat.

[@kriskemp4952]

I love those chairs! We’ve had them for 18 years and they’re still going strong! We use them constantly

[@siberia1409]

Taylor......you are a pretty tough cookie, girl! Everybody gets the BEATDOWN put on them from time to time, but getting back up and fighting it is what defines you! YOU ARE ONE TOUGH CHICK!

[@sailingschooners8668]

Mmmm many frustrating problems...does anyone when designing a boat think of drainage etc....keep ya spirits up, it will all be a in the past very soon, stay safe.....

[@Flynghi]

I have the exact same boat. I had the same issue with aft lockers. So i cleaned the drains and put new hose from the locker lid to the aft drain in the locker but here is what really helped. I put rubber gaskets on the locker lid so when the water overflowed bc the drain is to small the water would then run off the aft if the boat instead of entering the locker. Game changer. No issues since. I used rubber gaskets but added 3m vhb tape to the rubbers self adhesive. Good luck

[@pken9814]

The owner In 2002 according to the address lives/lived near me in pa. Crazy. Anyway, I haven't watched in a little bit and just stumbled back onto your videos. You 2 a great together, but don't sell yourself short. You are a strong women living her dream.

[@americanpatriot8402]

I cannot get over how you look so much like one of my daughters. Sorry about the rudder, but like my daughter’s determination and resiliency, I believe you got this and we all look forward to you overcoming this obstacle and bring us all new adventures.

[@jasonharris9797]

FYI you can make your own "gelcoat" with some Hulls Degussa 844 Titianium Dioxide, about 8% by volume, with regular epoxy. Also, you aren't "smoothing" the surface of the rudder substrate by sanding... I mean, maybe you are at a macro level, but at a molecular level, sanding creates a uniform uneven texture, which promotes secondary bonding. Secondary means it's a mechanical bond instead of a chemical bond. Very important that people use epoxy resin instead of vinyl ester resin or worse, polyester resin, for a secondary bond. I mean, vinyl ester is nice for fast curing speed and osmotic resistance, and it works on hull surfaces, but for the rudder, you need the best sheer resistance, so you really need to use epoxy. Also, I hope you did your due diligence to mitigate residual moisture in the foam substrate of the rudder before sealing with epoxy (drying under heat). Otherwise, well....

[@sailingrumrunner]

Great advise.

[@louisbunton679]

You are strong Taylor ! You can do it!!

[@chrismackay8314]

Nice! Serious upgrades in just a few days! One less leak, and a solid rudder! A bit of unsolicited advice - don't be afraid to ask someone to help when a task is better with another person, such as catching a big ass rudder. Accept that they are a 2-person task, and or rig up some sort of fixture to make it a safe one-person task.

[@dougmyers6013]

This type damage as well as other damages happens more than is shown and predominately on older coastal cruisers. Beating upwind in anything off shore is tough enough in the open water, and as most of these vids of young sailors shown here, while decent are of folks in boats attempting open water crossing in boats designed for coastal cruising not open water passages. Traditional blue waterboats are designed with materials to withstand these damages, but are rather costly even used. More costly to refit and upgrade, haul out, splash, sail replacements the entire list of items that keep the boat and it's precious crew safe from harm. Perhaps it's possible for a crack to have been seen during a haulout inspection, perhaps not, either way rough seas and small boats are not a good combination for safety even though so many are doing this now, I enjoy all your videos, hope it all works out for you stay safe!

[@howardbeer5214]

At the beginning of the video you could see it had been caused by grounding and all things considered you were very very lucky in that it had not bent the rudder shaft nor had your keel made contact with the reef. Good emergency repair and well done and note to ones self Always check after anchoring you have enough swing area . Good luck on your travels

[@jgatkinson744]

I have watched you for a few years ever since you crude with Bobby and you have a cowgirl soul when you fall off you keep getting back on that’s what makes you a winner

[@CheersWarren]

Nicely done Taylor, adapt and overcome ! Better than risking the damaged rudder! Cheers Warren

[@larryhibbitts2099]

Hi Taylor - GREAT video. I work in automotive paint - I can truly appreciate all of the surface prep work you guys did on this repair. And you're right - form follows function - as long as it works, you can always pretty it up later. Chin up - it's this experience that will serve you well the longer you're at sea!

[@markpeavy4005]

It looks to me like you're handling a very tough situation well! Yeah, use the tools you have, the supplies, and your gut instincts and make it happen. You're gaining experience! Thanks for sharing your adventures. The chairs look very inviting for resting in the shade.

[@kenhackathorn-my1xl]

It's a good thing you went diving and discovered the rutter who cares what other people think on how good a good you did repairing it if it works like it should that's what matters you two did a really good job

[@andrewmcdonald4908]

I first saw you when you were with Sailing Doodles. You sure have changed, hardened up, gained so much experience and knowledge. Keep at it; the lows will pass and fade and the sun will always shine again!😊

[@bob-ln9oi]

I worked at a cataline dealer 15 years 80s and ninties we had to replace alot of rudders for the same problem, catalina replaced them for no money,don't know if they still do or if that would even be an option, but great job on the fix.

[@NomadGio]

GOOD JOB!!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💥⛵ (and very very veeeery Lucky) ✌🏻😉 ¡Buenos vientos! 🌬️

[@wekker090]

You can tell if a crack or delam is old if the edges are brown and the foam underneath is brown. In you case both, that's why a boat pull out and tap has to be done once in a while. Osmosis check is important with fiberglass. nice fix btw.

[@peterfrebold]

....Yikes ..... laughing .. well that was a character building day .... from what you said in your cockpit talk, you have surrounded yourself with stellar support team .... well done ... Yup! .. it is what it is .. " a rudder " ..... thx for the share .. as always .. never stop dreaming, just dream bigger .. have fun be safe, save our oceans ....

[@salpairadice]

I have been to Virgin Gorda. There are worse places to be stuck. Glad you got your repair done.

[@dajobra]

I like it when people show real life and owning their mistakes. Don't get me wrong, avoid trouble if possible, but it does make good content. This is all part of the learning curv, how to anker, how to stay cool under pressure, how to fix the rudder, how to be humble and admit your mistakes on yt and learn from it all. The boat is safe and strong, you are a better sailor and no real harm done. Good stuff, keep it up

[@dajobra]

good moderation, the telegram creep was banned before I could report him

[@andytaylor97]

Great example of make do and mend - solid repair that I am sure will do the job until you get a chance to sort for permanently - bravo Tay 🎉

[@brummie0007]

Hey Taylor, Bill and Grace on Calico Skies are going to use Foss Foam in Florida build their rudder, theirs is really bad were the shaft meets the rudder it has a lot of corrosion.

[@justlooking2222]

You Have a good man Taylor, but I'm sure you already know that. Nice repair on the rudder, Hopefully the rudder stuffing box is keeping the bilge dryer? You can't change the wind; you can only adjust the sails.

[@brucerhodes8197]

Bill and Grace found a similar problem during their haul out in the Sea of Cortez... not the rudder itself, but the shaft, had significant corrosion, looks like replacing will force them to miss their window for crossing the pacific this season, and are now talking about spring of 2024. Losing a rudder anywhere is a major problem, but at least island hopping you can hope for a tow... but the middle of the pacific losing a rudder could be catastrophic! The temp job looks perfectly fine for the job it needs to do... If the original was already cracked/split, the repair is probably better than what you've been sailing with for several months now...

[@michaelgregory1013]

Fantastic work! Life is always going to throw us curve balls…. Just get back on that horse and keep digging! Nice job!!! You’re doing it right Taylor..Be Tough!!❤

[@dannyfisher9223]

The amount of bad luck you have but keep on your brave face and your big smile is all worth it!!!

[@rockeyroy1]

You may attack the attention of passing Orcas with that great big upside won "Fluke" the are primarily sound and then site but if you can see them they have already seen you. Keep safe and as dry as the reality of life allows 🥰

[@craig1lengyel]

Came out better than your saying although were not standing a foot away from it. Good job and keep that good attitude going. Thing will break and things will get fixed. Put that in a fortune cookie!

[@ruthlong6876]

Wow, that must have sucked, if it ain't one thing, it's another, glad you had someone there with you that could help, be safe, take care, til next time 👍🙏❤️😎🌴ciao ciao

[@Clutch7935]

Looks like you made a good fix on the rudder. Interesting to see how much marine growth attaches to the rudder with no AF on it. Enjoying your videos.

[@Rainy_Day12234]

It’s nice to have a support network of friends and family.

[@karlfair]

Nice work on the rudder fix. There is a company in Florida, called Foss Foam. They rebuilt a rudder for me and did a great job at a very reasonable price. Best of luck.

[@TheSunseeker007]

Happened to me once on my 9 meter CNSO Shellfish named Sunpearl it is a part of the adventure and unfortunatly shit happens .Lucky you found out near Land .

[@angelomazzone7939]

Well you certainly have had some big challenges. That being said you got it done regardless. Honestly you are due for some good luck, but as you know you have to make some luck. That being said well done. Keep up the good work and you will get there.

[@duded2268]

Good job fixing the boat you did good you seem a little stressed out maybe your next boat you get a Morgan 41, number one it's got a 4 foot draft if you're boat didn't get stuck the Morgan 41 probably wouldn't have even hit it the reef number to if it did it's got a full kill the rudders protected and the prop is protected so you don't worry as much about debris or fishing lines with any luck fishing line will slide under the boat especially if you're sailing and not motoring you sail a knot or two slower but to me the peace of mind is worth it knowing that you're sailing the Sherman tank of sailboats 👋😎

[@JimZabad]

You probably have been told this already. But. After you’ve set your anchor or hitched up to a bout, and before going down below- set a drift alarm on your GPS. You can even do this on your phone with a few different apps. The depth plus your boat length in a good place to start. Safe travels. 👍🏼

[@peterseuffert3055]

The best way to run the west coast of PR from Rincon to Fajardo is to do it at night. The trades settle down to almost nothing at night. The mountain ridge running down the middle of PR from the whole length of the island causes the cool air running down the mountains and creates a nice breeze on a beam reach when you run about a mile off shore heading east.

[@linda_lawson]

Girl, I know this probably happened eons ago, but you and Kiki are a great team. I am so happy that you have each other. As for the boat, the repair is probably better than when you got Gypsy. Fairwinds, Friend! Thanks for posting. You were missed on the Tube.

[@rb2312]

glad you made it to BVI. pity about your little surprise. could have been worse... as in out at sea, then suddenly loosing the whole thing. fair winds and happy sailing. hopefully no more major issues this season

[@laszlozagyva3822]

Well mother nature can be aggressive sometimes, glad you didn't get hurt, and that you fixed the issue right away. Safe travels, Taylor. You are an amazing young woman

[@peterthorn7772]

I wonder if the boat manufacturer reduced the rudder draft appropriately for the shoal wing keel. Rudder grounding may not have been a problem with a deeper keel to protect it. Great work on the speedy repair! I'm confident you will make it to Grenada. Fair winds and following seas.

[@donaldlajeunesse1455]

We started seeing you on Delos and now with your craft. This content you produced on this video was the best you have ever done. You presented yourself and the camera work very nicely. You handled your issues well. Great job.

[@PaulM_aka_4c21]

You need to go back much further to see Taylors adventures with Bobby on Sailing Doodles. It was Taylor that brought many of us to Delos !

[@Kqueale]

Having knocked around the BVIs a half-dozen or so times as a credit card captain, I echo your comments about the courtesy, hospitality and professionalism of the Virgin Gorda yard management and staff. They've never let me down or shown me an un-nice moment.

[@michaelcarron3418]

Hang on to that Boondoggle list of things that need fixing. I noticed Kiki scraped some sort of packing out off the rudder nut,...what was that stuff made of? DidYou check anodes on the prop shaft? Is the prop nut tight with a cotter pin? May need new gaskets on the forward hatches. You need an automatic bilge in case anything should leak in the boat. There is an APP for a cell phone that warns you if something goes wrong on the boat when you are not there, suggest you get it. Hope you have a smoother sail down to Grenada, Captain Taylor.

[@elrobo3568]

I am an old boat repair shop owner, before buying a boat it is always a good idea to get a new boat survey before turning money over. The cost of a survey is nothing if it prevents things like this. Thank you for saying that you had to wait for the fiberglass to cure and not dry. It shows you know what you are doing. Great job and smooth sailing.

[@rayray5195]

Taylor I hate to say this but it sounds like most of this could have been prevented with a little investigation and preparation. Making sure you are anchored smartly and check all drains and bungs to make sure they are all draining and sealed properly before a passage. Sailing 101 Hey. Setup a pre passage check list to include these checks. Stay safe and fair winds and following seas to you.

[@trevorward9680]

I think you guys are being too modest, that looks like a great repair. Well done Team Taylor! 👊

[@robreber9355]

You are tougher than nails Taylor. We in Alberta were at -39 a couple of days ago and today we got up to +2 so welcome to Alberta. We all love your videos. You bring such joy for all of us back home. Keep smiling, stay safe and keep pushing on. God Bless you your family and your crew.

[@boatman5151]

Well Done. Thanks for the update. Don't listen to the naysayers. Luv ya!

[@davidreadbikes]

Great video Taylor! You sure covered a lot in 16 min! Good job finding that old paperwork. And you may know this already but Bill and Grace on Calico had a rudder issue. They have opted for a longer term fix with a company from Florida.

[@spaceace9680]

Finding a deal on BVI IS A MIRACLE

[@robertcarr3405]

3 Comments: 1) I think you guys did a damn fine repair on that rudder considering the circumstances. 2) I think you should consider reverting to the name Boondoggle. 3) Being on a tight schedule is one of the most dangerous things for a sailor to do. I hope you get to look around Grenada and the Grenadines. We bareboated down there years ago and I think it was our favorite trip ever!

[@ukpaullouis2708]

I am glad I can watch you and others doing all the sailing as I just would not do well with all the issues. Hopefully going forward you will be a bit more lucky 🍀. 😁

[@benshore7357]

Looking good. As the British say nice job on the rudduh no r at the end. Ha ha

[@gregfawcett5152]

Hang in there Taylor...you will prevail...Did you ever get a new engine, transmission, and new controls/linkage?

[@bbbart77]

Great to be young and living the dream. Safe travels.

[@fantomfotog]

So glad you weren't alone. Wishing you fair winds and following seas!

[@richardgray2706]

Good video! A broken rudder can be catastrophic, but you discovered the problem in time, and dealt with it in a safe way. Extra kudos for the investigation that determined where and what happened and why as well. This should make it easier to prevent similar problems from occuring again...

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good evening Taylor. Spectacular video with excellent production values. Thanks for sharing. Your boat reconstruction skills are incredible. 😊😊

[@samharper4289]

Nice work on that rudder! Hang in there sweet Taylor! Blessings and much love always!! 🙏❤

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Excellent perseverance and emergency repair job!

[@StephenOshea]

great video . to own a boat is a constant work project . great job . let the good times. roll

[@leonbrouwer6105]

Great work looks solid. Boats will be boats :) Hopefully you also fixed the leaky lazarette while in that awesome yard!

[@markburley4901]

When I saw the thumbnail, I thought "uh oh". But you handled it gracefully and took on the project yourselves. That, and this video, are impressive and the most honest solo on camera explanation I've seen in a long time. Congrats on the fix to get you to haul out.

[@XLXLSJM]

Well done. Overcoming unforeseen challenges is a core element of the whole adventure. You get just a little tougher with each new scar.

[@cowboyrolo1]

Rudder looks great! Keep going, it's just part of the adventure!

[@mikeh720]

40 seconds in and I'm sure this is one of the best episodes you've done yet Taylor! Congrats on the imagery and the voiceover.

[@wildaltarose]

I am so happy that you have each other for support when things go wrong. I think you did a wonderful job! Please stay safe.

[@kevinsterner9490]

Great job on the repair. Improvise, adapt, overcome.

[@SVgoinCoastal]

Thanks for the reminder it's all about how you deal with things and getting through it! Also saw the boat behind you was from Clearwater FL where we're from

[@scotttprosser4719]

I am glad to see that things worked out for you in the end making do with the tools and supplies at hand. In just the first few minutes of the video I identified two things that would go against the good judgement of some one you have a lot of respect for, Brian of Delos. First is that it is dangerous for a captain to have a tight schedule and second is beating into a heavy sea. Brian has talked about this a few times over the years. One of the reasons that I go back and look at the old videos. Keep up the good work, look forward to the proper repair and how is the rudder shaft seal working?

[@TheOceanBandits]

Not a fun situation, but looks like you have a solid rudder now. Also, glad you didn’t completely lose your rudder!

[@schumdav]

Nice job with the rudder fix. Fair winds.

[@johnbhend8565]

Sorry for the crappy luck. Greatly enjoy your content.

[@zzzxxzzz3248]

Taylor , your travel adventures are hilarious !

[@wysailor2835]

Great video! Fun to se you guys we just needed to leave the roll.

[@virafsurty5023]

you ave been having quite a tough time sailing with whole boat drenched why are you alone you had company isn't it better to sail with a companion wish you luck and have fun all the best

[@wallykramer7566]

Would have liked to see a few seconds of reinstating the rudder packing. Since the boat is still floating I guess you have done that. For a bummer of diversion, you certainly picked a great paradise to work on it! I didn't realize you are from Ontario. Did you know Lee MacMillion?

[@jackrolfson312]

I'm so sad you had to go through this at this time. The nice thing is that you caught it early enough and were able to make the repairs needed. All the best in your travels to Grenada I hope you have good wind and get there safely. Look forward to your next video!

[@cD-vg5go]

looks great ! a little paint at same time got 2 problems solved on 1 haul out

[@Stuey0404]

Looks like a good fix up job, defo the right decision to hall and fix before continuing. Best of luck for the next stage.

[@johnmayer3433]

Great video ! I'm afraid you have to be aware of the fact that saltwater entered inside your rudder and the steel structure inside (where the two halves are attached to) may rust away in the long run. You should try to get a new rudder or at least have a thorough repair by cutting it open and have a look inside, assessing the necessary work and go on from there.

[@rjgillens2637]

Congratulations on the repair!..

[@cosmoslogic9088]

You two are an awesome team Big time, nice work on the rudder as well i hope your passage is quick and uneventful as can be

[@marklapierre5629]

Good enough is the enemy of perfection. Good enough is good enough. Be safe.

[@RigiLiquid945]

We're rooting for ya! Now you can haul ass get back home to freeze with the rest of us.

[@beedonn3170]

The way you start or should have started is by having a Scag hung rudder, lesson number one

[@SaYeager]

You did a beautiful job on the repair, I would of been tempted to strap a piece of plywood on it and run for Granada.

[@dcidci1012]

Is it the same shape that it was ? did it loose any length ? been watching you since you arrived on Bobby's boat, you are tougher than a rudder, keep on sailing on girl. you got it...

[@rushboynton2331]

I hope you named your rudder "Frankenstein". Well done!

[@mcr2867]

The rudder looks really great you guys, keep the boat sailing, you’re doing great!

[@DBartWest]

Looks pretty good from here and got the bottom cleaned for a smooth sail south. Not bad for sitting around in the shade for a weekend drinking Mai Tai's 😂😂😂

[@dronedream5392]

I haven’t seen your videos for a while, but now I see you with lost weight and a little discouraged! Remember Taylor that you have created a lifestyle that most of us dream about! So don't worry and be happy 😂❤

[@hanssolo4ever]

You really described cruising and living on a boat the way it is.