Replacement rudder for Alberg 35 - design and fab considerations

[captain_willard]

Need to come up with a new rudder for my Alberg 35. The old one is made of wood (mahogany) presumably boards bolted to a stainless rudder stock. At some point, it was stiffened by metal plates, through bolted. Pictures can be seen at:

http://geocities.com/blainch/picture...ade_rudder.jpg

What I would like to do is to make a frame, using either the existing stock or a new one, with welded arms, which will hold a marine ply/fiberglass blade. My uncertainties are:

* How much load will this thing see in an offshore environment? I have a hard time imagining that the old setup was adequate, but from what I've heard, it's pretty conventional.

* If I make it out of new stock - 316L or Bronze (alloy suggestions welcome)? I am a reasonably competient TIG weldor, but am unsure of the corrosion ramifications - if I zinc the hell out of it, will all of my sins be absolved?

* Should I have someone else do it?

I have a tentative design on CAD which I can post when I get home (I'm on a business trip right now)

Thanks!!

Chris

[fiberglass jack]

whitby boat works which built the albergs is no longer around but alex who worked for them still has a small shop called funny enough whitby boat works just google whitby boat works ontario canada and u should get the number he can be very help full i know for a fact hes done some overhaul on rudders for the 37

[fiberglass jack]

alex magnone tel 905 4306766 fax 905 4306449

[captain_willard]

'preciate it. I'll look him up when I get back home.

Chris