Hunter 216 Vara Rudder Question

[bloomac]

Dear Glenn,

I recently acquired a 2004 Hunter 216 and am having issues with the rudder.

The rudder housing is NOT flush with the bottom of the hull. It run's 3/4 inch to 1 inch too low. Obviously, this creates significant drag. My thought is to add another trim ring to the top as a spacer on top of the metal plate.

Or, will the housing float once its in the water?

Of note, my Father Harry had a Quest 30 with you your Henderson 30 Rudder on it. Worked flawlessly in that application.

 

[ghen]

Your father Harry was a delight to work with. You have the right idea on the fix. The housing will not float. Once the housing is raised by adding the spacer, it will be submerged or up in the hull. You can then screw a sheet of fiberglass with putty on it to the bottom bearing plate and then fair that to the hull. That is too much expensive customization to do on an inexpensive production boat at the factory but as a personal project it will reward better performance.