Replacing a rudder - H35 - is bigger better?

[ArkadiyS]

Unfortunately, I have to replace our current rudder (hit bottom and bent the rudder shaft). Just learned that the current rudder is larger than the original. We have a Legend 37 sized rudder now, and I am wondering if I should keep that larger size or go to the one that was designed for this boat. The difference is from 2-4 inches in all dimensions. Any advice? Thanks a lot!

 

[sail sfbay]

Your Hunter Legend 35 came with a large spade rudder. Suggest replacing with original size to reduce drag. Might refer to the thread entitled "Rudder Size vs. Lee Helm" by boatdesign.net Rudder Size vs Lee Helm | Boat Design Net . Also put your question to Ruddercraft Rudder Craft | Custom Rudder and Tillers.

 

[shemandr]

I would approach the question from consideration of the boat's performance with the "Oversized" rudder. Did you like the performance? Helm balance? Slow speed control? Slow speed velocity? If you were satisfied with all of that, I would be inclined to say go with the larger rudder.
One point for the smaller rudder is that it may not have a deeper draft than the keel, which the OP didn't say was the cause of the rudder damage, but could have been.