Your Dotan rudder system comes with a 3-year limited warranty for the rudder head and a 2-year limited warranty for the blade. The rudder head for Optimists has a 5-year limited warranty. Dotan's warranty obligations are described and limited to the terms set forth below.
Dotan warrants this rudder system against defects in materials and workmanship for the period specified in the previous paragraph. The warranty period starts from the date of purchase from Dotan or an authorized Dotan agent.
The warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Dotan rudder system and is not transferable unless authorized in writing by Dotan before such transfer.
Proof of purchase is required before Dotan will process any warranty claims.
This warranty does not cover any damage caused by negligence, unauthorized or unapproved modifications, or parts installed or removed without prior written permission from Dotan.
This warranty does not apply if the rudder system has been damaged due to accident, abuse, misuse, or improper application, nor as a result of servicing by anyone other than Dotan or an authorized Dotan representative.
This warranty does NOT cover:
- Normal wear and discoloration
- Damage caused by abuse or failure to perform regular maintenance
- Damage caused by hitting submerged objects or beaching without retracting the rudder
- Damage caused by mooring or storing the boat in water
- Damage caused by improper support during transport or storage
- Weather-related damage, such as freezing, prolonged sun exposure, or high winds
- Damage caused by alterations or modifications
- Any boat used for rental or commercial service of any kind
The Dotan rudder system is designed to be used in water for boat steering only. The Dotan kick-up mechanism is designed exclusively for lifting and lowering the rudder. No other operations are permitted, and any unauthorized use immediately voids the warranty. The blade position may only be adjusted using the tiller of the kick-up system when the rudder is installed on the boat.
Dotan Maritime Industries is not responsible for any lost profits or any other incidental or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use this product. This includes damage to property and, to the extent permitted by law, damages for personal injury. This warranty replaces all other warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
No Dotan employee, distributor, agent, seller, reseller, or any other person claiming to represent Dotan is authorized to modify, extend, or add to this warranty.
Force Majeure
Dotan Maritime Industries will not be in breach of its delivery obligations in circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, civil unrest, armed conflicts, fire, floods, labor disputes, and transportation disruptions.
Preventive Maintenance
Sailors are recommended to:
- Regularly inspect and maintain the rudder in good condition
- Rinse the rudder head with fresh water after sailing to remove sand
- Periodically ensure that all bolts are properly tightened



