Originally Posted By: MDinana
Edit: I also have to wonder, after 40 days at sea, how they didn't manage to get the rudder off? I mean, you probably could CHEW through it in that time.


There are two risks in trying to do that: 1. you might lose all ability to steer; and 2. removing the rudder would possibly require the removal of a through hull fitting, and, once that is removed, keeping the boat from taking on water and sinking might be difficult.

Someone who was a really skilled sailor might be able to steer a boat with no rudder. Sheeting in a head or mail sail and slacking the other, can get a boat to change direction. But it's no easy. In this case, with a rudder jammed hard over, the boat is going to want to constantly turn in one direction, circles, and balancing that out will be tough.