Don -more rudder info oday 30

[mark stevens]

Thanks Don for your reply. you are familiar I see with my rudder delema. As for snagging rope,lobster pots etc., well I have snagged my fair share here along the Maine coast BECAUSE I have no protection from the rear of the keel to the rudder and lines simply follow the keel up the hull to the foward side of the rudder and snag. the sts steel appendage I am considering would create a straight line from the bottom of the keel to the bottom of the rudder thereby allowing any lines to slip past and under the rudder, in effect filling the gap between keel and rudder.I also have installed conventional hardware for transom hung emergency rudder.My thoughts are that this flat sts steel plate or bar or I beam would be strong enough to protect the rudder during a grounding with the majority of the weight being suppoted by the keel.However I cannot count on having no upward force on the rudder should the water run out from under me or if I wish to intebtionally ground out and lay her over for bottom maintenance. What are your thoughts?Mark

 

[Don Evans]

One Further Thought

To deflect flotsam away from the prop and rudder, I have heard of installing a SS cable from the lower trailing edge of the keel to the lower leading edge of the rudder. This would serve to deflect cables, line and the like, but anything seriously large or dense is likely to crush the rudder. It would have to be loose enough to allow the rudder full turning of course. It would also be small enough to not affect hull speed.Sounds like you have thought things through well with your ability to install a second rudder.Your worry for your rudder is justified, especially if you are going offshore. I like skeghung rudders, like on the larger O'Day's (37), which offer partial protection. My absolute preference would be for a full keel and integral rudder, but we have to work with what we have.Don

 

[Bob Alderson]

Another idea

Another thought -- I own an O'Day 30 that was sailed in Southern CA. The previous owner glassed a small triangle shaped piece just forward of the rudder to keep kelp from catching on the rudder post.Hope this helps.Bob