We have the short wing keel on our Hunter 420 Passage. We have grounded several times in forgiving conditions and realize the rudder is just as deep as the keel, thus the rudder is grounded, inhibiting or stopping the ability to turn the wheel to work off the shoal. This is probably not a problem with the long keel option which I assume has the same rudder. My question is, since we have to do some repair to our rudder as a result of grounding, is it a bad idea to remove about 6 inches of rudder length to improve rudder clearance, assist in maneuvering if the keel is grounded, and lessen the chance for rudder damage? Anyone tried this? Do you think the loss of rudder surface area would adversely effect handling/speed due to having to hold a larger angle on the rudder to maintain course? Any opinion would be welcome.
Rudder Length/Keel Depth
- Thread starter randyborys
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That is probably a bad idea.
I have a 40.5 with the same issues and I've found that slowing down in shallow water is the best fix. If you can run aground going forward the keel will keep the rudder from hitting. The key here is to understand where deep water is. By slowing down, choosing the correct tide to "get over the bar" and then taking a little time to probe the water on both sides (I use an oar marked with the keel depth) you can easily back off without the rudder running aground too. If you are trying to turn around and power off then I’d say you need a different prop that works in reverse better.
I have a 40.5 with the same issues and I've found that slowing down in shallow water is the best fix. If you can run aground going forward the keel will keep the rudder from hitting. The key here is to understand where deep water is. By slowing down, choosing the correct tide to "get over the bar" and then taking a little time to probe the water on both sides (I use an oar marked with the keel depth) you can easily back off without the rudder running aground too. If you are trying to turn around and power off then I’d say you need a different prop that works in reverse better.
We have an '88 Hunter 35 Legend with the wing keel option which left the rudder about 6 inches below the keel and was noted in the survey two years ago.
Most ports around Lake Ontario have a serious silting problem.
Before launching, I talked to the rudder manufacturer who said the it should not be a problem. I was originally concerned about cutting into the metal frame/web or post. But, if I didn’t like the result, he said, I should glass an inch or so onto the trailing edge of the rudder .
I had the yard cut off the six inches from the bottom of the rudder and put in a drain plug. I was amazed at the amount of water that drains from it.
Handling has not been an issue.
I don’t know who made your rudder but Hunter should be able to help.
Good luck.
Most ports around Lake Ontario have a serious silting problem.
Before launching, I talked to the rudder manufacturer who said the it should not be a problem. I was originally concerned about cutting into the metal frame/web or post. But, if I didn’t like the result, he said, I should glass an inch or so onto the trailing edge of the rudder .
I had the yard cut off the six inches from the bottom of the rudder and put in a drain plug. I was amazed at the amount of water that drains from it.
Handling has not been an issue.
I don’t know who made your rudder but Hunter should be able to help.
Good luck.
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