O'Day 25 rudder modification

[Jacques Landry]

I have an O'Day 25 with a centerboard. As you know, the keel is only 2'6" with the board up ... but the rudder is 3' so prone to grounding. I plan on modifying the rudder so that it can be lifted (at least to 2'6") and will probably "inspire" my design on the Jeanneau Fantasia 27' concept. Why this concept ? Because you can still sail with the rudder up as compared to some other design (such as on the Seidelmann 24) which "swing up" making it impossible to handle while sailing.Does anyone out there tried or saw or heard or dreamed of such a modification ? I will do this over the winter, ready for May 2006. Any suggestion would be welcomed. I will post drawing and photos once this is done to share with you all.Jacques, Montreal, Canada

 

[Stu]

Two-Piece Rudder

Hi Jacques:I used to sail a Laser-One which had a two-piece rudder that allowed for shallow water operations. The rudder was fairly simple that one could make one of their own if they had the gumption and the right experience with the materials.The Laser had a typical transom-mounted upper rudder with gudgeons and a slot for the tiller at the top of the upper rudder. At the lower end of the rudder (upper portion) were two stainless steel plates that were bolted through the lower end of the rudder. The plates overhanged the rudder to allow the lower rudder blade to slip in between them. The lower rudder blade was attached to the plates by a single through-bolt with nylon disc washers between the rudder blade and the stainless steel plates. The single bolt allowed the lower rudder to pivot up.A small line was attached to the leading edge of the lower rudder (about a few inches from the top end of teh lower rudder), up through the plates, and up to the tiller mounting bracket. The line tied of to a small cleat on the tiller and prevented the lower rudder from swinging up when underway. Releasing the line allows the rudder to swing up freely.The rig was simple and worked well. To home-build something similar would require some custom stainless and fiberglass work. If you have access to see a Laser, check out their rudder rig for inspiration.Good luck,Stu "Karakahl"1979 O'Day 22 CBCenterport

 

[priscillamacduff]

Hi Jaques, I have the same boat!

Hi Jacques,I have never thought of modifying the boat, I too have shallow water, Great South Bay. I love my boat and have been sailing it since 1990.

 

[r.w.landau]

Jacques,

Jacques, Yes Ihave a 25cb and know what it is you speak of. Last year I caught my rudder while traveling at a pretty good clip.A few years ago I was concerned about loosing part of the sailing season because of all the 25 o'day rudders that were breaking. So, I epoxied two pieces of 3/4" marine plywood and cut and shaped a new rudder to keep around as a spare should the worst happen to mine. I know your winters are longer than mine here so why not build a rudder and cut it shorter then let us know how it works in the spring.You could also modify the plywood rudder into a kick up. Don Evans of Bracebridge has a picture project posted in the 25 O'Day section where he made a solid mohogany rudder. Later he said that if he did it again he would use marine plywood. That is why I made my spare from marine ply.r.w.landau

 

[TDC]

Jacques

I have an Oday 25 cb and have grounded my rudder with the center board in the up position. I also have a laser-one, and as we live in the same area, I could show you the rudder set up. P.S. I sail with two other Oday 25 cb's.Tom