Rudder concerns

[Jim Nielsen]

On the O'day 25 c/b the rudder draws several inches more than the shoal draft keel.We're planning on trailing to Fla.and sailing the Abaco's

 

[Paul Mieszczenski]

You are correct

Jim, You Are correct about the rudder hitting first. In fact, at 6 knots the rudder draws a full 3 feet. If you see the depth finder drop to 4' pull back on the speed and pick your way along until back in deeper water. I have bumped twice with no damage, but I was feeling my way along at idle speed. One of the things on the"list" is to reinforce the transom at the lower gudgeon and add a third gudgeon and pintal or a heaveier version of what is there. About that trip to the Abacos; You really need to do some homework on this one. I have made over 30 Gulfstream crossings. None in my O'25, even though we live right here. Of the 30, I can only remember 7 that I would have felt comfortable in the 25. All the others got real "interesting", even in an Irwin 52. I'm not saying no to an Abacos cruise, but with our size boat the conditions would have to be just right. The Keys are a much more prudent cruising choice with similar characteristics of the sailing found in the islands.Been there, done that, but not in my 25. PM

 

[Don Evans]

Design Compromise

Between having a thin water trailerable shoal draft boat, and having enough rudder in the water to steer at all angles of heel. But I agree with you that it is disconcerting, especially in unfamiliar waters.When I replaced the rudder (2" thick wooden one) I kept the same dimensions more or less as I did not want to shorten for fear of changing the "feel" of the helm. My helm is neutral, but with a shorter rudder my fear was it would change.I have bumped into the bottom once or twice (ha...ha..), once real hard but it was a riseing slope and the front of the keel and the centreboard took the crunch (broke the U bolt on the centreboard...but thats another story). Another time I hit the bottom and it just crushed the bottom leading edge of wood fibers on the wooden rudder. If I accidentally get into thin water (anchor draging) the rudder lifts off the pintles, and I almost lost the rudder once as it started to float away (again another story).I agree with Paul (hi Paul 8^)) about beefing up and adding a middle gudgeon. Did that when I replaced my rudder.I have chatted with a few owners who have made the crossing on their 25, and they pretty much say the same thing that Paul said, to pick your weather window.All in all I wouldn't be to worried about it, just be aware of your limitations. You may want to check carefully the original fiberglass/foam rudder, as there have been some complete failures over the years with rudders snapping in half.Don

 

[dave]

rudder

i ran aground the very first time i brought my boat to the marina but...the keel hit first so i could raise the rudder out of the water and motor off the sandbar. interesting but no damagae so it is better design than the other way around if you think about it!

 

[Brian]

Captain Run-A-Ground!

The name was respectfully given to me by members of my crew after a few challenging experiences. I ran aground right after I purchased my O25 early this year and was startled when I discovered that the rudder extended below the keel. I only hit at about 3 knots and everything seemed fine. The keel never hit. Last night I was out in great wind having a blast and the top gudgeon snapped. I am certain that this was a result of my grounding experience and suspect that it was probably cracked. I will be purchasing an extra set for the future and will be reinforcing the transom before the next installation.