Bent Rudder

[02Outback]

Hey everyone, I am new to the boards. I purchased an 02 Moomba Outback LS about two months ago and have enjoyed every minute of it so far.

However, this past weekend I ran into trouble. I just launched the boat and was heading towards our usual spot at about 25-30mph when I heard & felt a thump. It didn't really slow me down at all or change my course of direction.

I had hit a stump. The water was somewhat low however you could not see the stump above the water until after I went over it and looked back to see the it in the middle of the wake. When the water settled, it went under again.

I pulled the boat out of the water and sure enough, the rudder is bent back. It still turns in both directions, however it will only turn about 75% in each direction.

I am located here in Houston and was thinking about taking it to Rinkers Boat world and having them replace it. They quoted me $500-600 just to replace the rudder. If there is fiberglass damage, it will be more of course.

My question is, if there is fiberglass damage - how much more am I looking at and is there any other place people recommend to take it to get replaced? Can it be bent back? Recommend it?

Thanks for any help!

[dru1974]

it doesnt look like there is any fiberglass damage....

[jeffrogge]

I was thinking the same, you should be able to tell if there is fiberglass damage. That stinks though.

[viking]

How the heck did it clear your fins and still hit the rudder? That must have been close there too?
Sorry to hear the news

[02Outback]

Not sure how it missed everything else, but I sure am glad it did.

On the other side of the rudder, there looks what might be some tiiiiny hairline fracture/crack...almost like a scratch. I will try and get more pictures tomorrow.

[kaneboats]

YOu can replace it yourself on an Outback. Order from Skidim.

[Buck02LS]

Yeah sorry to hear the bad news, hope it's not too bad!
I’m in Houston as well, my boat is at Rinkers Boat world right now getting all fixed up for this summer!!! Stan in the service dep, a great guy to deal with, has been very helpful with taking care of my boat.

What lake were you on???

[02Outback]

I was actually on the San Jacinto River and the stump was out in the middle.

Thinking twice about going back there.

[ejojprop]

The rudder post is the same material as the rudder, 70 Mag Bronze, not SS. The post is part of the rudder casting. Would suggest replacing the rudder and the rudder port as well. Would not suggest trying to straighten the post.

[csm]

You hit a stump in the Houston area, and it wasn't on Lake Conroe? That must be a first...

Rinker's and Stan in particular have always been great. One thing about these boards though, if it's something that can be replaced on your own, someone has done it and can walk you through it. Hopefully that's the case to save on labor.