Ward,
I used a single piece of 1 1/2" thick Coosa sanded to the shape of the rudder, then I put 2 layers of glass over it.
For my new rudder I used a new stainless shaft that I had 4 new threaded drift pins welded to it.
I drilled out the rudder to the depth of the new pins a little wider than the diameter of the pins and then filled them with epoxy and set the rudder & pins into the holes. I let it set for @ a day or 2 as I used West slow cure epoxy.
If you send me your email address, I can send you a few photos of the process. I had sent a file to Bud of the process with photos for him to post to the site but it looks like it never made it. I was pretty pleased with the outcome. It seems very strong, especially with the 2 layers of glass over it. And I know it will not absorb any water! These wood / glass rudders are primitive.