Water logged rudder?

[SFKjeld]

I had some issues with the rudder on my 23.5 that were discussed on this forum a few weeks ago. During that discussion someone mentioned that the rudder could be water logged and therefore heavier than is should be. The issue at the time was simply pulling the rudder up out of the water. I have that resolved now by using a fishing net to pull it up. But my question now is, would there be adverse sailing characteristics if the rudder were water logged? The reason I ask is that I had an on board lesson yesterday. Several times when tacking and gibing, if the tiller came too far over to one side, especially the starboard, it was very difficult to center again. Even the instructor found himself nearly pinned, requiring both hands and a lot of muscle to pull it out. Is this normal on this boat? Seems dangerous.

In addition, the instructor attempted to show how the boat would round up. It didn't. He thought it was because the boat was so light. Now I am wondering again, if the rudder is too heavy and once it is pulled to a side, it cannot center again.

 

[JohnCTV21]

If the rudder is water logged, my fear is the post inside might be turning inside the rudder, making it so hard to move it.

I had to repair the rudder on my '76 Hunter 25 because of a crack and water infiltration.

 

[sesmith]

Can't help you on the possible rudder issue, but this video should give you confidence that your 23.5 will round up and not capsize (due to just wind):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w00suzaDh_A

We had some exciting moments when we had our 23.5, but the boat always rounded up if it heeled enough to make the rudder start to leave the water. The boat should have a little weather helm when reaching, so if it doesn't, you could double check the mast rake. Dave can help you with that.

Make sure the rudder is down all the way. Ours tended to creep up, especially when motoring. If it comes up some, it makes the boat more difficult to steer.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If the rudder is water logged that is a different issue which needs to be addressed as it could fail and under sail that could be dangerous depending on the tack you are on.

As I was not there not knowing the conditions there are two suggestions. First if the winds are in excess of 12-14 knots, reduce sail as it will help keep the boat under control better thus avoiding what you have described. In addition, I use to teach my customers to control the mainsheet by anticipating to let the boom go over further when tacking as the boat will not round up and then pulling the boom in ..

 

[SFKjeld]

Thanks Dave

So a water logged rudder does not effect the effort to steer the tiller and it does not make the tiller extremely heavy when swept to one side or the other? Should the rudder float up to waterline when the friction screw is freed?

Maybe the take away then is not go out in wind over 12kts. Because we definitely were. I think this instructor had a macho streak. As a rule, I never go out in wind over 10kts without being reefed. This guy insisted on the full main. Another "technique" of this instructor was to tack only at the very last sec before hitting a pier or a boat tied to a dock. Said it was important when racing. Adds up. The first time the guy did it, my cocaptain and I thought we were toast. I was nervous every time. Maybe because it is my boat....

Needless to say, there will be no second lesson from this guy.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Thank you for the insight on the instructor as he is unsafe and we would like to see you around for a long time sir. I believe in safety like you too.