The twelve bronze bolts were removed from the rudder using an impact hammer. They came off with surprising ease considering they have been underwater for the better part of five decades. Once unbolted, it was possible to chip away at the gel coat that encapsulated part of the bronze gudgeons.
The pintles were left mounted to the hull, which made it more difficult to remove the rudder, However, with the help of a crane and after removing the wind vane, there was just enough room to move the 300 lb rudder straight back and clear the gudgeons. Alejandro, shown in the photo, has been hired to repair the rudder, which has some separation and also needs the cheeks attached and fiberglassed over.
