cat boat newbie

[ospreyjib]

Took Possession of my, new to me, Horizon Cat this winter and finally got out on the water last week.  Having never sailed a cat boat before it was all pretty new to me. Light air was helpful as I was learning the ropes.  All was well but I noticed my rudder which I assume is stock, is badly split along the leading edge exposing the foam core.
My question, what would be the best way to repair this- fiberglass cloth and epoxy or ?.  Most other systems seem pretty much good to go, and the Yanmar purrs like a kitten.   The mast must have been dropped violently into the gallows by the looks of the crease in the top of the sail track.  Fortunately it is well above where the the gaff gooseneck ends up.  I'm interested to know if there are other Compac cat owners out here in Oregon. 

[Craig]

Welcome! The Suncat is a fine boat. You will love it! Actually the rudder is not stock. Suncats come with an aluminum plate rudder. What you have is either an after-market foiled rudder or a homebrew. Assuming the foam core is dry and intact, a fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin fix should be no problem. A little sanding and fairing and you should be good to go. go to: http://www.go-embedded.com/Sailingmanual.pdf and download the Catboat Sailing Manual. Great free resource for all catboaters! Have fun!

[Bob23]

Ah Craig:
   It appears that the Oregon Osprey has a Horizon Cat.
   Osprey: May I call you Os? Welcome to the site! While I myself have an older 23, I love the Horizon Cats. Many congrats. If I were to get a catboat, the HC is on the top of the list. Although I have a fond place in my heart for the Marshall 22.
   Again, welcome...we look forward to hearing about your adventures and if you need help with anything, this is the place for answers. We charge the same for correct and incorrect answers.
Bob23 in the south of NJ

[Craig]

Duhh ! I must be losing it! Musta been that extra sparerib I ate! What Bob said!

[Bob23]

Maybe your'e dehydrated. An extra slug of grog for Craig!
Bob23

[Sedona Don]

All was well but I noticed my rudder which I assume is stock, is badly split along the leading edge exposing the foam core.
My question, what would be the best way to repair this- fiberglass cloth and epoxy or ?. 

I had a similar problem with the foil rudder on my Com Pac 23.   I had mine repaired at "Rudder Craft" in Boise Idaho  (208-375-2204).  Excellent customer service at a very fair price!