[Rhodes22-list] Rudder problems

[Saroj]

Well, my boat finally was launched on Friday with new bottom paint and other minor repairs completed.  I have two problems with the rudder.  It does not swivel any longer.  I loosened every bolt and finally took some out altogether.  It appears that either the bottom piece is warped or the pieces of wood that act as separators for the aluminum housing have shrunk to a size smaller than the part that can be raised.  (I hope someone can tell me the proper names for these things).  I thought I could perhaps insert a washer between the wood spacer and the aluminum part, but what about two different types of metal touching.  I also considered fiberglassing the wood which would add thickness and also make it waterproof.  Or I could cut more pieces of wood slightly larger thus providing more space.  Any ideas?  

Also there are small openings inside the holes where the line goes to pull up on the rudder.  Water pours out of these after it has been in the water.  Can't be good for it to get all that water in there.  Should I fill these openings with epoxy filler to keep the water out?

I'm eager to sail (if it ever stops raining here), but can't until the rudder can be swiveled.  

Hoping to get this fixed by Thursday to go out over the weekend on the boat.

Saroj