New rudder/tiller assembly this site

[Jean]

Hello Everyone. Does anyone have any experience with buying a new high performance kick-up rudder/tiller assembly from sailboatowners.com? http://shop.sailboatowners.com/cu/detail-tmpl.php?a=2&pid=50174&sb=Oday
Or has anyone bought from Rudder Craft?
I own a 1968 O'Day Mariner 19 and I need a new rudder, so I'm wondering whether this product is a good investment. Thank you for your advice.

 

[justsomeguy]

FWIW, when I last checked out this site's prices for the Ruddercraft stuff, I found them to be exactly the same price as Ruddercraft.

 

[Jean]

Yes, justsomeguy, I noticed that also. Is it the same product? Is this site supposed to be less expensive?

 

[justsomeguy]

Yes, justsomeguy, I noticed that also. Is it the same product? Is this site supposed to be less expensive?

The rudder itself appears to be the same product. http://shop.sailboatowners.com/emp/copy/idawarranty.html

You could call the folks here at SBO and ask. But sometimes, it's worth paying a little more to support the SBO site.

 

[SchwarckT]

I think you will like a new rudder from Rudder Craft. I bought a rudder from them several years ago for my O-Day 22. It was very well made and a big improvement in performance compared to the factory rudder. I liked it so well, that I fabricated similar-styled rudder blades for my other two boats and got the same results with them. I never really was happy with the factory rudder blade on my Mariner anyway. Now, I have excellent control and very little weather helm regardless of how much the boat heels.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Both this site and rudder craft are good sources to be trusted as a former dealer perspective. The one thing is more attention overall to the entire boat on this site for help. Phil, Dave and Al are extremely knowedlgeable as two are sailors and the other came from a major sailboat MFg. They can be trusted.

 

[Jean]

Gentlemen, thank you so much for your helpful remarks about the new rudders. I'm glad to know it's a good product and it seems like it will be a significant upgrade to my old boat. Thank you for replying.