Best Type of Wood to Make a Rudder??

[Hi -

I'm replacing the original rudder on a 75 year old cedar sailboat. I believe that the original rudder is made of Oak but want to use the best wood possible for the new one. Right now, the oak rudder consists of three planks that are doweled together horizontally and reinforced with horizontal metal brackets.

Question: What is the best type of wood to use for the new rudder?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

75 years...don't know how you can beat that. Why not remake the rudder out of White Oak?

Steve

 

What he said. 75 years. I think it's eastern white oak. Their are other varieties that are sold as white oak that don't have the rot resistance as the "real" stuff.

 

Thanks guys,

Eastern White Oak it is!!!

The Sound
LP - my boat looks similar to the shape of yours

 

Mine only looks old. I finished it about two years ago. It's strip-built with epoxy and glass, but rigged it with bronze and brass fittings.

Best of results with your new rudder. May it last another 75 years.

 

Yes. I come from an aviation and automotive background but for pete's sake, if you've got a 75 year old boat, keep that thing as original as safely possible! It's a treasure!

 

swamp cypress is good too, it will not rot off....

 

Thanks for your advice guys - I did the math - the boat was built in 1941 which makes it about 65 years old. Here's a few pictures of it back in it's prime. My 90 year old neighbor gave it to me as a gift.

 

I think I remember this boat growing up in NY before moving to Southern Calif in 67. Was it moored in a lagoon @ the south end of Long Island Sound? Smooth Sailing.....

 

yes! incredible! Hammond's cove next to fort schyler/ maritime college! The boat never left the water for 50 years but is in amazing condition.
Isn't is fantastic!

 

I'd use live oak, though in your area, white will be easy to find and near as good. Make sure it's vertical grain.