rudder remake

[mike]

Has anyone remade their rudder out of a "non bouyant" material to avoid the kickup problem?

 

[Tony Thomas]

I'd try it!

I just finished painting my new foss foam rudder that I payed 415 dollars for. When I went to install the rudder in the new rudder head that I payed hunter (325) to make from the original I had a big problem. The hole was not drilled in the rudder, but an indention was made in the rudder to show where to drill the hole. Well.... they were off about a half inch. It took me 2 days to figure this out. My neighbors are having second guesses about me after seeing me wrestle these two strange contraptions out in the front yard. I thought I was taking the easy way instead of the hassle of designing somethng on my own. Now that I have the rudder on the boat it does not "pop up" all the way out of the water. So, now I must design something to keep the rudder out of the water. I wish you the best.

 

[mike]

huh?

Not sure I follow you Tony.........doesn't your new rudder float? Why do you want to hold it up?I'd like to see it stay down by gravity and kick up only when hitting an obstruction or being pulled up by a rope.

 

[Nick]

I wouldn't...

Last winter I repaired a cracked seam along the length of the rudder with glass and paint. I wouldn't think of making it non-floating. Two reasons: added weight, and It was designed to allow the rudder to be kept (partially) out of the water when not under way--to keep from fouling and for easier cleaning. I don't think the floating is a problem.

 

[Cliff Ruckstuhl]

Alumium

Mike all the smaller Com-Pac boats have ther rudders made from a solid piece of Alumium about 1/4 thick. It would work and would stay down and do what you need. Use your rudder as a pattern and you will need to do something where it attaches like build a frame as thick as the Foss foam rudder. Are you getting ready for the 2002 Nationals?Cliff