I ordered the HDPE airfoil rudder from Ruddercraft through Blue Water Yachts. It took a little over a month for the order to be fulfilled, but no big deal there.
As requested, it came un-drilled. Drilling was easy, using the old rudder as a template.
The first time I lowered it into the water, it floated and I had difficulty pulling it down into place. This has become less problematic over time. I suppose this is a result of the rudder taking on some water(?) and me learning to tension the hold-down cable while releasing the hold-up rope, taking advantage of the downward momentum to get it fully into vertical position.
At first I was disappointed as I seemed to be dealing with as much or more weather helm than with the original rudder. Then I realized that my hold-down rope was slipping in the clam cleat, allowing the rudder to rise up out of its optimum position, so I switched it out. This has made a big difference.
What I am seeing:
Pointing is definitely improved (2 to 3 degrees)
I am seeing significantly less turbulence in the wake off the stern
There is less weather helm
I am believe I am seeing an increase in boat speed (maybe .2 to .3 knots on average). On a recent outing I was sustaining 6.7 to 6.9 knots on a broad reach.
I'm not sure about the purported "less heeling" benefit I seem to remember reading about somewhere. Perhaps I could comment on this if I had an inclinometer, but I do not.
I replaced my old jib last season, and I would say the airfoil rudder had a greater effect on my boat's performance than the new jib.
Bottom line - a worthwhile improvement. If you are sailing your Mac 26 with the stock rudder, you are not getting maximum performance, IMO.
As requested, it came un-drilled. Drilling was easy, using the old rudder as a template.
The first time I lowered it into the water, it floated and I had difficulty pulling it down into place. This has become less problematic over time. I suppose this is a result of the rudder taking on some water(?) and me learning to tension the hold-down cable while releasing the hold-up rope, taking advantage of the downward momentum to get it fully into vertical position.
At first I was disappointed as I seemed to be dealing with as much or more weather helm than with the original rudder. Then I realized that my hold-down rope was slipping in the clam cleat, allowing the rudder to rise up out of its optimum position, so I switched it out. This has made a big difference.
What I am seeing:
Pointing is definitely improved (2 to 3 degrees)
I am seeing significantly less turbulence in the wake off the stern
There is less weather helm
I am believe I am seeing an increase in boat speed (maybe .2 to .3 knots on average). On a recent outing I was sustaining 6.7 to 6.9 knots on a broad reach.
I'm not sure about the purported "less heeling" benefit I seem to remember reading about somewhere. Perhaps I could comment on this if I had an inclinometer, but I do not.
I replaced my old jib last season, and I would say the airfoil rudder had a greater effect on my boat's performance than the new jib.
Bottom line - a worthwhile improvement. If you are sailing your Mac 26 with the stock rudder, you are not getting maximum performance, IMO.