Rudder Redesign
The first thing I did when we bought "Renaissance" was redesign the rudder. The stock design is awful. I utilized the existing aluminum vertical stock for ease of remounting. I installed a mahogany board inside the aluminum and thru bolted it. Then had two 3/8" aluminum plates made and attached it to the mahogany board. I designed a mahogany rudder much like the old Mac rudders of the '70s, which were excellent. It is wider at the top and narrows slightly downward, shaped like a rectangular spade. It is 36" deep and retracts beautifully. The performance is awesome. Like power steering, and goes to weather like a racing boat. I have design drawings if you are interested. Also, I use Harken hardware everywhere, which makes sail handling instant and easy. By the way, you CAN sail with the pop top up AND with a boom vang fully tightened. It simply slides across the front of the pop top when coming about or jibing. No damage to the gel coat. The main is flat and proper! Happy Mac sailing!
