I was looking at a pile of broken rudders in the back lot of IdaSailor and I thought they might make an interesting discussion... The first picture is of a broken J boat rudder: gelcoat, fiberglas, wood and foam core. I include it to show how even well built rudders can be broken. This is a stout rudder!
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DB Cont
Also, I meant to say that the design for this DB is a flooded compartment. The DB "sinks as it settles down in the DB well. Over time, the exposure of the wooden stringers to rot will cause them to weaken, and you eventually have an eggshell waiting to be cracked. If your own Mac DB is hard to raise and lower, it could be splitting down the middle and causing an interference with the DB well.
Also, I meant to say that the design for this DB is a flooded compartment. The DB "sinks as it settles down in the DB well. Over time, the exposure of the wooden stringers to rot will cause them to weaken, and you eventually have an eggshell waiting to be cracked. If your own Mac DB is hard to raise and lower, it could be splitting down the middle and causing an interference with the DB well.
replacement rudder
I received my replacement rudder, and will test this weekend... looks like a few changes from last years model... the side 'shims' that help make the rudder a tight fit in the castle, are shorter and not fully glued as before. This appears to change the stress points, and should be stonger(per Joel S) I have a new uphaul design... that will get tested on friday... http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/ftldiver2/MacRudder/ http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/ftldiver2/MacRudder/PA280002.jpg I'll also be using the pins from now on.... not sure it will help, but should not hurt...
I received my replacement rudder, and will test this weekend... looks like a few changes from last years model... the side 'shims' that help make the rudder a tight fit in the castle, are shorter and not fully glued as before. This appears to change the stress points, and should be stonger(per Joel S) I have a new uphaul design... that will get tested on friday... http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/ftldiver2/MacRudder/ http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/ftldiver2/MacRudder/PA280002.jpg I'll also be using the pins from now on.... not sure it will help, but should not hurt...
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