EMERGENCY (spare) RUDDER

[Mao]

Does anyone have any recommendations on where to purchase a spare rudder?
Better yet, any diagrams or specs on building one?
I think every long distance sailor should have an emergency rudder.
I have a Cat30 mkII 1987.
Any advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[jeepbluetj]

Y'all sailing a C-30 long distance?

Windvane is the common answer.
Or fab a pintle hung rudder.

 

[Parsons]

I'm depending on a folding 3-gallon bucket and some spare line in a bridle hauled behind. I've not practiced with it, but I figure if I need to use it, I'll have plenty of time to practice!

 

[dziedzicmj]

It depends how far you are planning to go. As an emergency solution, you might consider findings in this report. But for a serious solution, you may want to look for something like the SOS Rudder from Scanmar, Oceanstear emergency rudder or something similar.

 

[SG]

This is Michael Keyworth's definitive method...This is the solution if you're concerned with the real issue of LOSING your rudder.

 

[JohnVTX]

This is Michael Keyworth's definitive method...This is the solution if you're concerned with the real issue of LOSING your rudder.

Very cool

 

[Dave Guenther]

From what I've read, a cassette rudder is considered to be the best option for an emergency rudder. A couple of links:

http://bermudarace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/3-Emergency-Steering-Solutions-v2-.pdf

http://www.single-handedskiffs.com/images/MakingyourRudderCassette.pdf

 

[Parsons]

Keyworth's drogue is the same concept that I proposed, but I'll bet that my 3-gallon folding bucket was cheaper than his fancy drogue (by far), and it's already on my boat. I've found that the most useful safety equipment is the stuff on the boat, not stored safely in the garage ... or in the Defender warehouse!

 

[jssailem]

Mao... Welcome to the forum. Interesting choice of avatar name.

I think every long distance sailor should have an emergency rudder.

Perhaps it depends on what you consider long distance and maybe where you are thinking of adventuring. In a pinch a resourceful sailor will modify his boat to get safely to shore. Even if you think you know what you are doing conditions can become overwhelming. It is times like these that a SSB radio becomes a lifeline or an emergency rudder... http://www.ybw.com/news-from-yachti...-drama-offer-10k-get-yacht-dove-ii-back-46494

Rudder options include:

1. Windvane - Monitor makes a good one and there is an emergency rudder available
2. Wood from the boat interior remade into a rudder and attached to something long (like a spinnaker pole) stretching off the stern. Like a Chinese Junk might use...
   
3. The above mentioned manufactured drogues streamed off the stern
4. A modified sail and ropes streamed from the stern

Better yet, any diagrams or specs on building one?

Perhaps you might narrow down the conditions that you envision so that a reasonable response to help you can be fashioned.

 

[victorhoisington]

With a full keel and a keel hung rudder this is the least of my worries. If I lose the rudder I'll use the sails to steer. This is where a Ketch rig becomes really handy.

But even with a sloop you should learn to steer using the sails. Lock the rudder down some day in light air and see how playing with the sails will change your direction. You can actually sail the boat anywhere you want to go just by changing the sail trim.

 

[nat55]

These guys will make you one....for a price...https://ruddercraft.com/

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

With a 30 foot boat, you have no room to store the extra rudder. Drogue steering is the answer, then call for a tow when you're close to shore.

 

[jssailem]

Mao... Want to learn about surviving a rudderless experience...

Read the following book by: Smeeton, Miles. "Once Is Enough" . HarperCollins Publishers. Kindle Edition.

You will learn about what it takes to deal with a condition like loosing your rudder...

 

[Mao]

wow!
my first time joining a forum to ask anything.
You guys are all awesome!!
Thank you very much.

 

[Mao]

I think drogue steering will be my choice, all things considered.

 

[Mao]

Very cool

Definitely cool!!

 

[Mao]

Thank you!

 

[jeepbluetj]

With a full keel and a keel hung rudder this is the least of my worries. If I lose the rudder I'll use the sails to steer. This is where a Ketch rig becomes really handy.

But even with a sloop you should learn to steer using the sails. Lock the rudder down some day in light air and see how playing with the sails will change your direction. You can actually sail the boat anywhere you want to go just by changing the sail trim.

Next time y'all are in SoCal, I cordially invite you out on my Catalina 30. Fin keel, spade rudder, fat boat. Very very very hard to steer with the sails. I don't think I could go 1/4 mile before spinning around, and that's in typical so cal weather. With some chop or swell, it'd be impossible. I'd love to watch somebody else try. I'll buy beers.

I don't think I'd sail my c-30 any further than the towboat goes. Tiny tankage, no storage, etc.. It's just not a bluewater boat.