Replacing WS32 rudder cheeks

  • May 05, 2025 8:39 AM
    Message # 13495410

    Hi Everyone,

    As of a few weeks ago, I’m the new owner of #686, Second Wind. :-)

    The rudder cheeks have soft/rotted areas.. I understand they are non-structural - as such, can I just remove the old ones and not replace them?

    If there’s good reason to replace them (incl., just for aesthetics), I want to use a stable but light wood to minimize weight back there (I have the very heavy Westerbeke 52 engine). Please give me some wood type recommendations, and please tell me where to find plans for making new cheeks. Thanks!

    Neil

  • May 05, 2025 12:51 PM
    Reply # 13495549 on 13495410

    Hi Neil , congratulations on your new to you W32 . I would make a templet out of cardboard , and make the cheeks out of teak . I get teak from buckwoodcraft .com  

    https://www.buckwoodcraft.com/

    They have the best quality , selection and prices that I have found . And they don't have a minimum .

    Good luck and keep us posted .



  • May 05, 2025 5:14 PM
    Reply # 13495654 on 13495410

    Thanks, Mark. Bud sent me a PDF diagram.

    Last modified: May 05, 2025 5:15 PM | Anonymous member
  • May 06, 2025 9:42 AM
    Reply # 13495946 on 13495410

    Hello Neil.  Just a couple of thoughts:   You can make the cheeks about 4” to 6” shorter without changing the appearance much.  This will help keep them out of the water when moving.   Also you could use the wood of your choice laminated to Divinycell foam to save more than 60% of the weight.  The cheeks were 3/4” thick.  You could easily make them out of 1/2” foam and 1/4” wood.  I chose oak for the appearance.  You must use epoxy for construction and keep them varnished.   The area around the 4 mounting bolts of the SS box must be solid, ie, no foam.  Saraband’s cheeks are more than 20 years old and still look perfect.  I sand them once a year snd apply 2 costs of spar varnish.  Sometimes 3 costs.  Good luck,   Dave

  • May 08, 2025 9:07 PM
    Reply # 13497110 on 13495410

    Thanks, Dave.

    I’ve read that the cheeks are non-structural. Maybe it’s aesthetic heresy, but are they needed at all? 

  • May 09, 2025 7:53 AM
    Reply # 13497265 on 13495410

    Hello Neil.   No.