Hi Wendy, I assume you have the revised (square-at-the-bottom) rudder design. I think Bud said the rudder should weigh about 70lbs. There is a 28lb SS bracket over the top, under the rudder cheeks reinforcing the tiller-rudder connection. My rudder had a green, water absorbing foam inside which, when wet, increased it's weight by about 100lbs. and was a problem because in winter it froze, expanded, and split the rudder open.

The rudder was built in two halves, as were the boats. There were a couple of rather long threads on the old forum concerning rudder issues and various attempts to dry it out. The way the rudder is constructed I think it would be very hard to prevent water intrusion.  At haul-out, I would drill a hole in the bottom and about 1 gal of water would drain out and then reseal the hole in the spring before launching.

Two years ago I brought the rudder home, split it open like a clam and pulled out about 100+ lbs of water soaked foam. I could squeeze water out of the foam like a sponge, even after it had sat inside for months.

The bottom line is I don't think it's worth spending alot of effort drying it out (unless it freezes) and I wouldn't worry about the weight as it will be neutral bouyancy in the water reducing weather helm when heeling and keeping the rudder from floating side to side at anchor. In fact, the original Atkin designs included about 30lbs of lead added to the lower trailing edge of the wooden rudder to counter bouyancy.