Rudder wanted or dimensions

Chris Patterson · Oct 22, 2012

Are you going to build a one piece rudder? Building the kick up assembly would be more than difficult. But just a simple rudder would be relatively simple I'd think.
So, if nobody chimes in on this soon, I'll be down at the docks tomorrow, and I'll throw a tape across it.

whatcaneyedo · Oct 22, 2012

The one that came with my 1973 Cat is: 5'-1/2" tall, 6" wide at the top, 15-1/2" wide at the bottom, 1-1/2" thick at the top. Let me know if you need any more dimensions.

CaptDon01 · Oct 22, 2012

Being that your going to make your own rudder, it won't be "legal" in a santioned C-22 race,(no big deal). So, what ever you do, don't copy a factory rudder. I replaced my factory rudder with a RudderCraft one. WOW! What a hugh difference! The boat steers so much nicer, no round-up, just a wonderful improvement to the boat! I'll be back at the boat tomorrow, so I'll try and remember to take some photos, and measuments.

Don

whatcaneyedo · Oct 23, 2012

If I understood you correctly from bottom forward edge to top forward edge its 32". I own a lot of measuring tapes so perhaps what I could do is lay the rudder on the ground with several tapes pulled out to show the various lengths. I could then take a picture and post it here later today when I get home from class.

Joe · Oct 23, 2012

Joe · Oct 23, 2012

Just remember the rudder is a foil, it is aerodynamically shaped to help give the boat lift, just like the center board or fin keel. My suggestion is to find some one with a similar boat, or perhaps a dealer, and ask them if you can make a series of templates of their rudder that you can use when shaping your own.

If you're interested in purchasing one, you might call the catalina factory parts dept and compare theirs to the other outlets, such as CatalinaDirect

I also understand e-bay sells this type of gear... give it a shot.... you may find one for a couple hundred, which is a good deal when you factor in the materials and your labor in building your own.

Squidd · Oct 23, 2012

There are several rudders on e-bay right now

Cat22 http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...3.m570.l1313&_nkw=catalina+22+rudder&_sacat=0

and then a bunch of other boat models that may work as well or better...?

Bilbo · Oct 24, 2012

I have considered the idea of making a rudder myself and have not acted.
The reason that I would make one is that as a non-racer I would be able to change the design similar to the idea of the Ida rudder http://www.ruddercraft.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=94
I believe that making one would involve using a core (Plywood or similar) and fiberglass construction as it would be the lightest/strongest but because i don't have time or am not all that confident in my ability to do this, I have not made one....yet. My most serious concern is that the rudder isn't strong enough to keep me safe. If my home made rudder were to break, it would probably be when I need it the most under heavy winds. from what I gather, one of the principle reasons for rudder failure is that the edge of the rudder can crack and allow moisture to infiltrate into the wood core causing it to rot.
That being said, I have a kick-up and I'd be happy to measure mine and provide pictures or a graphic if it helped.

watercolors II · Oct 24, 2012

1987

Measurements for a 1987 rudder.

Bilbo · Oct 24, 2012

Interesting watercolors!. My 1987 kickup is slightly different in measurement.
I believe that it is 15 1/2'' wide at the bottom and that the difference is that the leading edge is more vertically aligned with the gudgeons. Also, the thickness of mine is approx closer to 1 1/2" than 2". I think that my height is pretty much identical. To add, my Pintle/Gudgeons are at 12" apart according to the kickup casting.

Chris Patterson · Oct 24, 2012

Hmm, looks very close to mine. I'm still intrigued with the leading edge being extended like we discussed in an earlier post, but I don't know if I can give up the kick up style. A static rudder would be contrary to some of these little holes that I like to putt-putt up into.
Now I'm wondering about a forward leading edge kick up rudder. My next million dollar invention..

KingAirDriver · Oct 24, 2012

Funny you should mention that Chris! LOL I have finally gotten the keel done and I am almost ready to install it. I also finally gotten the rudder blade apart from the aluminum headstock to effect repairs from an angry propeller bite. While it is apart, I am going to layup a removable leading edge cuff.

Bilbo · Oct 25, 2012

KingAirDriver said:
....... While it is apart, I am going to layup a removable leading edge cuff.

interesting thought, I have considered this too. Could you please let us know if/how this works out.

KingAirDriver · Oct 25, 2012

I will. Priority is to finish the paint on the deck, and get keel installed. Then I will tape down some wax paper and layup a layer of glass with about a 6 inch total width. Glue a 3/4 dowel to the leading edge, let it dry. Fair in the gap, sand it all down, and then lay up another layer of 6 inch glass over it, put on some peel-ply and let it cure up good. Figured I would just drill a few holes and run in some screws to see how it all worked. If it did, I'll make it pretty. I'll keep you posted.

watercolors II · Oct 25, 2012

front edge

A little leading front edge on the stock Catalina rudder will make the helm feel like power steering. I’m sure the factory design was created to take in all boat handling situations and especially all situations that a novice sailor would encounter like allowing the hull to round up when overpowered. As said adding a little leading edge will give you a power steering feel but, any additions beyond the center line of the pintles you would be sailing a fine line.

c22sailor · Oct 25, 2012

I just purchased a fixed blade for my racing hull, and have a kick up in excellent condition that I would sell. $350 plus shipping if interested.

Bilbo · Oct 26, 2012

Watercolors! said:
A little leading front edge on the stock Catalina rudder will make the helm feel like power steering. I’m sure the factory design was created to take in all boat handling situations and especially all situations that a novice sailor would encounter like allowing the hull to round up when overpowered. As said adding a little leading edge will give you a power steering feel but, any additions beyond the center line of the pintles you would be sailing a fine line.

Very good points. and thanks to King Air Driver for posting the plans. I think that this would change the weather helm, possibly increase the speed a tad and decrease leeway drift a tad for a benefit but the built in ability to round up in the event of a strong gust is the one safety downside. Attaching the forward leading edge is a concern. In would not want the core to get waterlogged. One could fill the screw holes with some liquid epoxy and or add a bit of trailing edge by doing something like a skin of sheet aluminum that extends back to the trailing edge to clamp onto the ruder.

Rudder wanted or dimensions

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