My Mac26s has the standard rudder problems of heaviness and loss of control. I have noticed that many people have modified the standard rudder blade by adding material to the leading edge of the foil. This makes a more balanced rudder by moving the center of the blades area closer to the pivot point, I think (?). Has anyone ever tried simply moving the pivot hole in the standard rudder aft about 2 inches, and perhaps cutting away the top edge of the blade to clear the rudder case/shaft? This would move the rudder blade further forward in the 'box' and should balance the steering. Iain Hydrotherapy Macgregor 26s
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John S
Rudder Shape, Too!
The pivot line is important, but so is the shape. My stock rudder had a general oval shape that stalled at an early angle of attack, especially when opposing weather helm. My IdaSailor shaped HDPE rudder changed all that. It takes a pretty extreme heel angle to overcome my new rudder, and lose control. Last weekend we had a blow and I sailed for about 6 hours with wind in the high teens. I experimented with heel angles by holding off the round up until the rail was pretty close to the water, which on my 26D is way heeled over. I compared heel angle to forward speed: no surprise, at large angles of heel the boat slows down. However, with a proper rudder one can keep the water flow over its surface from seperating, thus holding off the uncontrolled round up. It is fun! Ease of steering or lightness of control seems just right on my rudder now, too. John S Boise
The pivot line is important, but so is the shape. My stock rudder had a general oval shape that stalled at an early angle of attack, especially when opposing weather helm. My IdaSailor shaped HDPE rudder changed all that. It takes a pretty extreme heel angle to overcome my new rudder, and lose control. Last weekend we had a blow and I sailed for about 6 hours with wind in the high teens. I experimented with heel angles by holding off the round up until the rail was pretty close to the water, which on my 26D is way heeled over. I compared heel angle to forward speed: no surprise, at large angles of heel the boat slows down. However, with a proper rudder one can keep the water flow over its surface from seperating, thus holding off the uncontrolled round up. It is fun! Ease of steering or lightness of control seems just right on my rudder now, too. John S Boise
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Iain
Simple and cheap
Thanks for the reply John. I understand that the Idasailor rudders are good. I was simply wondering if anyone had tried modifying the standard one and how successfull it was. I guess I'm looking for a cheap and easy fix to the problem. As an 'extemsion' to my idea, what if the mounting/pivot hole was moved aft, then more surface area was added to the back of the rudder. That trailing edge is very wide at the moment, I could add an inch to the rear easily couldn't I? Iain HydroTherapy
Thanks for the reply John. I understand that the Idasailor rudders are good. I was simply wondering if anyone had tried modifying the standard one and how successfull it was. I guess I'm looking for a cheap and easy fix to the problem. As an 'extemsion' to my idea, what if the mounting/pivot hole was moved aft, then more surface area was added to the back of the rudder. That trailing edge is very wide at the moment, I could add an inch to the rear easily couldn't I? Iain HydroTherapy
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Lori
I think I need this!!!
This sounds like something I need! I lose control of my boat in heavy tides... sailing in the harbor is not an easy task when there is a strong current. I have to keep my motor on to keep me from drifting sideways into someone's slip. Can you give me the info for the rudder? Cost etc.? This would also help me on destination sails--- I get pulled into shore and have to motor out a lot. Is this normal or is it just me? I'm not that great of a sailor. Any advice would be helpful!!!
This sounds like something I need! I lose control of my boat in heavy tides... sailing in the harbor is not an easy task when there is a strong current. I have to keep my motor on to keep me from drifting sideways into someone's slip. Can you give me the info for the rudder? Cost etc.? This would also help me on destination sails--- I get pulled into shore and have to motor out a lot. Is this normal or is it just me? I'm not that great of a sailor. Any advice would be helpful!!!
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John S
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John S
Weakest Point
I thought of one other point worth mentioning, and especially for those who sail in coastal waters, drilling another hole in the already weak rudder head might leave you without a rudder. I guarantee it will break when you need it most (like when your motor is in and out of the water due to riding over swells). The last stock rudder I saw cut open showed a fibreglass shell with a few wooden stringers. After time and exposure, the wooden stringers rot (because of interior flooding) and one is left with a shell that may or may not be strong enough. Your call. John S
I thought of one other point worth mentioning, and especially for those who sail in coastal waters, drilling another hole in the already weak rudder head might leave you without a rudder. I guarantee it will break when you need it most (like when your motor is in and out of the water due to riding over swells). The last stock rudder I saw cut open showed a fibreglass shell with a few wooden stringers. After time and exposure, the wooden stringers rot (because of interior flooding) and one is left with a shell that may or may not be strong enough. Your call. John S
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flyingscozzies
Good information
Sean, Thats exactly what I was looking for. Although, I was thinking about moving the rudder pivot hole forward, then cutting the front edge of the rudder head away to clear the shaft and get a better balance. I'll try pivoting the blade forward first though, as that is simpler. I didn't want to spend any more money than I had to John. (I'm Scottish by birth!) I'm hoping that the reduced forces on the rudder blade will put less stress on it. We'll see. Thanks to you all, Iain HydroTherapy
Sean, Thats exactly what I was looking for. Although, I was thinking about moving the rudder pivot hole forward, then cutting the front edge of the rudder head away to clear the shaft and get a better balance. I'll try pivoting the blade forward first though, as that is simpler. I didn't want to spend any more money than I had to John. (I'm Scottish by birth!) I'm hoping that the reduced forces on the rudder blade will put less stress on it. We'll see. Thanks to you all, Iain HydroTherapy
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