I use straight varnish on my M15 rudder (probably 6 coats of Epihanes). I remove the rudder after each outing. After three years, it's in very good shape--I don't refinish it over the winter (I am this winter because I noticed a couple sags in the varnish and, well, I'm butt-deep in snow--what else do I have to do?).

From my experience (and if as you say Mike, you're going to remove the rudder), a good quality varnish works fine.

Tom Smith & Jane Van Winkle Sandpoint, Idaho M15-345, Chukar M17-064, Unnamed -----Original Message----- From: Roberta Dvorscak [mailto:edarts93@earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2004 8:09 PM To: 'For and about Montgomery Sailboats' Subject: RE: M_Boats: Rudder Refinishing Mike, I agree with Tod. Epoxy the rudder then varnish. The rudder on Grace is finished this way and her rudder would spend up to 4 months in the water without a break. I do re-varnish every winter. Her rudder is beautiful all the time. Mark Dvorscak -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+edarts93=earthlink.net@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+edarts93=earthlink.net@mailman.xmission .com] On Behalf Of Michael Huffine Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2004 7:15 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Rudder Refinishing Alright, I have the rudder and tiller on my M17 sanded down to bare wood. Have read the threads on refinishing, but have not seen anyone talk about using stain and varnish to any extent. Will a stain and two or three coats of varnish survive below the waterline on a slipped M17 that has the rudder placed in the cabin when not sailing? I see a lot of warnings on various varnishs about "not for use below the waterline." Does this mean any time or for extended exposure to water? Any inputs on varnish and stain would be helpful. Thanks! Mike Huffine _________________________________________________________________ Dream of owning a home? Find out how in the First-time Home Buying Guide. http://special.msn.com/home/firsthome.armx _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats This message was scanned for viruses!!