Hole in bottom of rudder

[sheepstations]

Hello All, we've just bought ourselves an Investigator and I'm guessing, this won't be the last post as I get it back into shape. It's called Spindrift so maybe it's known to some of you? (We live in Tasmania I'm guessing the boat has spent most of it's life here).
We haven't sailed it yet but I did put it in the water to test the motor last week.
What I did notice taking the rudder off was a stream of water coming out of the bottom of the rudder. The hole is about 10mm and there must be a small cavity in the rudder to allow this much water to come out.
Is this normal?
I've got a few other questions but maybe I'll just take it one at a time.
Cheers,
Jonathan

[Ozzie]

Welcome Jonathan, you’ll find lots of graduates from the school of hard knocks here that can identify with your issues/repairs so ask away.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1097

This recent thread covers your problem re the rudder. It’s not uncommon as these boats are getting on and most rudders probably get dropped the odd time or ten either onto the ground or cockpit sole when loading/unloading. They are hollow and when sealed should float. Maybe you could plug the hole with a good gaffer tape and try David’s swimming pool trick to see if there are any other pin holes that need resin.

Anyway throw up a few photos for the record, and if contemplating a name change keep us informed for the database. Ray on here can probably give you some history on your Investigator. Cheers.

[sheepstations]

Thanks Ozzie, that answers that question. I'll follow your suggestions and see how we go sealing it up.
Thanks,
JR

[Raya]

Welcome Jonathon. Spindrift owners, June and Mike, were active on this forum around 2014. At that time the boat was at Dodges Ferry. Do a seach on this forum of the posts by Spindrift114 and you you dig up a bit of history. Have fun with your Investigator and be sure to post a pic or two.

[sheepstations]

Fantastic. Thanks for that.
We are in the middle of doing some work on the outboard, replacing impellers, thermostats and the like and will turn our attention to the boat once that's done. I've done a few cosmetic things like replaced the wooden hand rails and sanded back and re-varnished the tiller. I'll sand and varnish the toe rails soon enough. The boat is in relatively tidy shape, just needs some TLC.
My wife Nathalie and I intend to sail the D'Entrecasteaux Channel as much as we can and will make it comfortable for overnight passages. I've got a 10W solar panel to install plus I've bought a nice ICom VHF radio with DSC to go in as well. The nav lights need fixing too.
We haven't sailed it yet but rigged it up in the backyard. Everything seems to be there. We will just keep plugging away.
Cheers,
JR