In Scandinavia, many Vegas have seperate rudders on the stern. It seriously improves astern capability and it makes the boat less hard on the rudder when reaching. I´m 100 sure its an improvement.
The reason the Vega´s astern capability is so poor is that since the propeller is above the rudder, there arent much water flow when using the engine over the rudder itself. This makes the rudder much more inefficient when going backwardes. Boats with a more normal rudder/propeller configuration will have a higher speed water flow over the rudder and so the rudder becomes more sensitive when going backwards.
Where I sail, many harbours are so small and crowded that you cannot reverse in a Vega with the engine. There´s not enough space to get so much speed that the rudder reacts. So the solution is a good boat hook, patience and understanding from the other boats. I can swing my Vega around on very little space when going slowly forward, using the reverse to "drag her round, but directly reverse in crowded places is a no do.
It a commonly known problem. When you read boat magazines, tests, reviews etc about the Vega. Its always mentioned. I knew it when I bought my Vega, so I accept it. But maybe one day, a seperate rudder on the stern.
