HDPE Replacement Rudders

[wezone]

Does anyone have experience or recommendations regarding HDPE as a replacement for a standard fiberglass rudder?

Thanks
Wayne

[KenKrawford]

Welcome Wayne.
No direct experience using HDPE as a rudder material but my knee jerk reflex would be that it's not the best for this application. I assume this would be or was a custom job. Any more pertinent details?

[wezone]

Thanks Ken,

No details but I assume it's custom. Catalina Direct lists HDPE for the 34/36 but not for the 350. It reportedly improves handling but I also read a complaint about rudder flexing under certain conditions.

Wayne

[KenKrawford]

Interesting comment about flexing as that was my initial concern. The stock rudder has a stainless "skeleton" encased in the fiberglas which gives it its strength. Are you going to be doing a rudder replacement or buying a boat with an HDPE rudder?

[wezone]

I'm trying to buy a boat that apparently needs a new rudder. It sounds like HDPE introduces an unnecessary risk at this point.

Thanks