Rudder size response
My problem with the 33 rudder is vague response upwind and almost nonexistant response downwind. Running down moderate waves, 4 to 6 foot, I have to saw the wheel back and forth through better than 70 degrees with that "stalling" feeling. The first time around I added only 1 1/2" to the trailing edge and about 1/4' to 3/8" to the leading edge to maintain rudder balance. While making a noticable difference to me it wasn't enough. Response was silghtly improved but early stalling is still a major factor. I know we all revere John Cherubini but I think we might also admit that there were areas where his "PLAN" might have gone awry. In my wandering around boat yards (one of my favorite off season activities) it seems to me that in comparison to the majority of other boats out there the 33 rudder seems relatively small. Part of this appears to be attributable to the "Princess" fairing above the rudder, (What is often referred to as the "skeg". The intent is to reduce turbulence where the rudder would break through the surface of the water. Unfortunately this reduces the area of the rudder. I can't bring the rudder higher without a MAJOR, MAJOR project, and can't go lower without further risk of grounding the rudder before the keel, so extending aft is the only thing left. The technique was simple and sloppy. I ran screws into the trailing edge, cut off the heads, (for support to the wet laminate) applied layers of cloth and epoxy and held it in place to keep it from sliding off during initial cure. After curing I belt sanded smooth, then faired with whatever fairing compound I had around. This spring I plan to extend the rudder back another 4 inches or so, same basic layup schedule. Lots of nitrile gloves.
