Catalina Direct's exclusive kit includes: West System epoxy in pre-measured packets of resin and hardener that provides for the exact ratio of each. A container of colloidal silica and a container of graphite powder. The kit also includes a reusable syringe, mixing cups, gloves, the proper drill bit, spreader, mixing sticks, presaturated wipes, N95 particulate respirator, and a complete instruction booklet.

You create a new, hard and slippery bearing surface by injecting a layer of epoxy filled with tough colloidal silica and super slippery graphite powder between the rudder shaft and rudder tube. Excess space created by wear is eliminated. A new bearing surface is created and steering accuracy returns.

This is a prefect project to coordinate with other routine maintenance when your boat is out of the water.

• Remove the rudder (if you have pedestal steering, the Radial Drive Wheel must be removed).
• Clean out any marine growth and accumulated debris.
• Prepare the rudder shaft by thoroughly waxing to prevent the epoxy from bonding.
• Reinstall the rudder.
• Center port to starboard by aligning with the keel.
• Confirm the rudder is not canted aft such that the top of the rudder blade might strike the hull during a hard-over turn.
• Mix and inject the epoxy mixture into the gap between the rudder shaft and the rudder tube.
• See the instructions included with the kit for more details.

This is an ideal time to install new rudder washers. Since we don't know which boat this kit will ultimately be used on, see the related items below to choose the correct washers for your particular boat.