[C320-list] Rudder raplacement

[Harry Juris]

Catalina Direct is NOT Catalina. They are a California Catalina Dealer who marks up the Factory prices. Call the Factory in Florida and ask for the parts department, Get a price from them before doing anything else.

Harry Juris
"Polar Star:
1998 C320 #541
Nyack Boat Club. Nyack, NY

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of William Russell
Sent: Saturday, April 10, 2021 9:20 AM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Rudder raplacement

My next-door neighbor recently got a horrifying call - his 1997 C-320 had been blown off its jack stands and was lying on its side in the marina(!) Upon investigation, it's not too badly damaged, but the rudder shaft was bent and the fiberglass cracked.  He needs a replacement rudder.
It looks like he has two choices: an OEM from Catalina, or a "HDPE spade rudder" by Ruddercraft through Catalina Direct.  They make a lot of claims about the superiority of this "upgrade," but I wondered if anyone on this list has any experience or opinion about those rudders.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/images/features/Rudder%20Craft%20Spade%20Rudders.pdf?CFID=41234104&CFTOKEN=4fbd46bab4060a1a-573661E1-FE22-7A3B-0C4FF6C4D8055188
Any and all advice appreciated.
Bill Russell
*Little Wing,* 1998 C-320 #545
Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY

--