Rudder Draft

[Marcia]

We are thinking of ordering a new kick up rudder to replace our EXTREMELY heavy original rudder that won't even lift up out of the water for our 1975 PY23 . My question is this: One of the many measurements I need to know is the desired draft for the new rudder. The current rudder is about a foot shorter than the full draft of the boat with the center board down. Should I order the rudder with the same draft as the old one - or is longer or shorter better? Will a longer rudder give me more "bite" and make the boat point and handle better? We put a new 9.8hp electric start motor on this year and that added about 45lbs of weight to the transon. With the extra weight of the motor plus the extra heavy original rudder the boat just seems to be a bit heavy in the transom, hence my desire for a kick up lighter weight rudder - or is this even necessary? Thanks in advance for the wealth of knowledge I've gained from this forum over the years.

 

[RichH]

If the sailing characteristics of the boat are good (with respect to weather helm, etc.) then replace with a rudder of the exact same dimensions. To change the surface area of the rudder will change the 'balance' of the helm - decreasing Surface area can induce 'weather helm' and conversely increasing rudder surface area can induce 'lee helm'.

If your boat 'sails well' (with or without the outboard) .... replace with an exact duplicate rudder.

 

[Marcia]

Thanks Rich. Liberty does indeed sail well overall, responsive and not to difficult to steer even in a stiff blow. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Ross]

Find out if the old rudder is ballasted. It is well for the rudder to be shorter than the keel/centerboard. If the old rudder is ballasted perhaps a little less would relieve the "over weight" problem.

 

[bffatcat]

new rudder

Listen to Rich H get a rudder with the same dimensions. If the rudder is ballasted it was designed that way for a reason. I wouldnt tamper with the weight of the rudder. If you remove the ballast the rudder might kick up by itself in a breeze. You said your new outboard
weights 40 more lbs than the old one. Not that much weight on a 23ft boat, But if your
worried about weight look around in the lockers and cabin. You might be surprised by how much unneeded stuff you could remove and lighten the boat. I lightened my P26w by about
300 lbs by removing the head, water tank, table and shelving. I dont think you have to go that far though