Hole in bottom end of rudder

[RichardW]

I am in the process of refinishing my rudder on my Mac 25. The PO had applied antifouling paint on the rudder which I removed, which revealed a 1/4" drilled hole on the bottom end, on the side of the rudder. Is this for water drainage, as it seems that the rudder is hollow. Should I leave it open or plug it up?

[Hamin' X]

Not sure about the 25, but my 26X had hollow rudders with a hole. The hole allows water in to keep the rudder from floating, as well as allow for drainage.

~Rich

[NiceAft]

Since I am not familiar with that class, I can only use my as an example. There is a drainage hole in the rudder.

On the 25, is there a line to raise the rudder from the water? If yes, then a drainage hole is probably a good guess.

I don’t know why painting over the hole is desirable. If there is a hole for water access and egress, there should be another hole for air to do the same.

Ray

[RichardW]

Thanks for your input. I will leave the hole open.

[NiceAft]

Thanks for your input. I will leave the hole open.

How about a photo?

Ray