Hello, I'm looking for a new live aboard boat and came across a very tied 1979 Hunter 33. It's listed as shoal draft of 4ft. I've been investigating some on the net and it appears that possibly the rudder is a deeper draft than the keel. I've seen a drawing that definitely shows this. But most of the pictures I've seen I can be sure. Please say it ain't so!! Who in their right mind would make a design where a spade rudder will ground first! Thanks for any info Ed
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You got the idea
The rudder is at best the same level as the keel. I found the problem the first day I purchased the boat taking it accross Tampa Bay and running aground. The rudder hit first because with wieght in the stren the rudder is the lowest part of the boat. We have very thin water here and after a few more missteps with grounding and anchoring and a bad "pull off" by Boat U.S. a major repair to the rudder was required. At that time I had 7" taken off the bottom of the rudder and added 7" to the back of the rudder. The rudder is now more of a square shape. That was three years ago. Never a problem since. Like you, I was disappointed with the rudder extending below the keel. My fix works very well but it is not inexpensive.
The rudder is at best the same level as the keel. I found the problem the first day I purchased the boat taking it accross Tampa Bay and running aground. The rudder hit first because with wieght in the stren the rudder is the lowest part of the boat. We have very thin water here and after a few more missteps with grounding and anchoring and a bad "pull off" by Boat U.S. a major repair to the rudder was required. At that time I had 7" taken off the bottom of the rudder and added 7" to the back of the rudder. The rudder is now more of a square shape. That was three years ago. Never a problem since. Like you, I was disappointed with the rudder extending below the keel. My fix works very well but it is not inexpensive.
H33 shoal draft
Paul has it right. In a number of year's experiences with bay horse, a 79 H33 and more than a few groundings, my typical grounding would have the rudder grounding along with the keel. But.... no damage so far to the rudder. My theory is that in the sand and mud bottoms that bay horse is well acquainted with, the keel plows a furrow for the rudder. As I speak, both the lower leading edges and bottoms of both keel and rudder are absent bottom paint but well armored with barnacles. As Paul's experience indicates, a heavy handed tow can cause damage not caused by the initial grounding. This true for any boat. The H33 has a pretty robust rudder construction with a solid, unwelded rudder shaft which adds a lot to the strength. Also, the upper bearing plate can be pretty easily reinforced as it lies in the unusual skeg like after run of the hull.
Paul has it right. In a number of year's experiences with bay horse, a 79 H33 and more than a few groundings, my typical grounding would have the rudder grounding along with the keel. But.... no damage so far to the rudder. My theory is that in the sand and mud bottoms that bay horse is well acquainted with, the keel plows a furrow for the rudder. As I speak, both the lower leading edges and bottoms of both keel and rudder are absent bottom paint but well armored with barnacles. As Paul's experience indicates, a heavy handed tow can cause damage not caused by the initial grounding. This true for any boat. The H33 has a pretty robust rudder construction with a solid, unwelded rudder shaft which adds a lot to the strength. Also, the upper bearing plate can be pretty easily reinforced as it lies in the unusual skeg like after run of the hull.
Deep Rudder
Yes, the rudder on the shoal draft is relatively deep, undoubtedly the result of using the same part on both the standard and shoal draft. A manufacturing expedient I assume. Slight bending can be repaired by backing into a steep sand bank. I left my rudder about 3/8" low when I reinstalled it after some work. The resulting gap provides a little leeway if it does bend. Best bet is to keep mother in law out of the cockpit. That "hull extension" is called a "princess fairing". Picked up that little tid-bit from Ted Brewer's book on boat design.
Yes, the rudder on the shoal draft is relatively deep, undoubtedly the result of using the same part on both the standard and shoal draft. A manufacturing expedient I assume. Slight bending can be repaired by backing into a steep sand bank. I left my rudder about 3/8" low when I reinstalled it after some work. The resulting gap provides a little leeway if it does bend. Best bet is to keep mother in law out of the cockpit. That "hull extension" is called a "princess fairing". Picked up that little tid-bit from Ted Brewer's book on boat design.
I have a H33-82
which I puchased in Feb of 2005. The draft when pulled and surveyed measured 48", and the rudder does not extend lower than the keel. If someone has a 33 that does, I would strongly suspect that the rudder had been replaced or repaired. Jeff
which I puchased in Feb of 2005. The draft when pulled and surveyed measured 48", and the rudder does not extend lower than the keel. If someone has a 33 that does, I would strongly suspect that the rudder had been replaced or repaired. Jeff
add 6" to the keel!
Ed: Just add 6" of lead on the bottom of the keel. The boat will sail better and you rudder will be slightly more protected.
Ed: Just add 6" of lead on the bottom of the keel. The boat will sail better and you rudder will be slightly more protected.
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