wiggle when she walks

[sailormanbigd]

I know the topic of rudder post thingy has been discussed to death but i can't get satisfaction from the archive(most likely user error)so I need expert help. a couple of weekends ago the admiral and I were enjoying a beautiful day out on the gulf of M. and on returning I had to dispense of some previously used beer. I gave her the helm, albut reluctantly (she was discerned about the conditions), ie the wind had picked up to around 15kn and the boat was difficult to keep on edge with a fair amount of weather helm. I stood on the back deck and emptied my inboard holding tank and happened to look down and saw my rudder post-bent aluminium bracket bending tremendously. Twisting so much that the tiller would move around six to twelve inches before the rudder moved. I have the Ida rudder. I know that somewhere in the archives someone has reenforced the bracket but can't find it.  I have my sister and her husband comming in from Cali next week and would like to correct the problem before taking them out, please HELP! thanks "

 

[Jack- Memory Maker]

Idasailor has what you need

Not sure which model you have, but the stiffener that Idasailor makes is well worth the money. It's easy to mount and is less than making one yourself out of SS.JDK

 

[sailormanbigd]

OH SO SORRY, ITS MAC26D

SORRY HOW STUPID OF ME.

 

[John S]

Stock Mac Rudder Head

The stock rudder head is what it is...just sufficient for the job. Even with a stiffener plate, the aluminum will flex, just not as much. The new design of rudder head for the D model, and a lot of other boats, from IdaSailor incorpoprates a stiff, thickwall SS square tubing. There is extra area in the two halves of the rudder head to clamp the rudder and spread out the forces over a greater area. It is called the Unifoil and I have sailed with one for a full season. Flex of the rudder head and tiller deflection from it is negligible. Incorporating a nicely designed rudder, the steering with this kind of set up is precise and responsive. With my boat intentionally heeled so that water is on the galley window, I still have rudder enough to turn the boat away from the wind, against the weather helm. When tacking, the turns are sharp and carved to create the least drag and carry "way" through the tack. If you can, replace the stock rudder and head with the Unifoil. John S Boise

 

[Jack- Memory Maker]

Email me

Sailormanbigd, we have to be very close to each other here on the left coast. Email me at jackson4545@hotmail.com and let's compare notes. Jack

 

[sailormanbigd]

THANKS YA'LL

jUST BOUGHT IDA MARINE'S stiffner plate, thanks so much for helping her to walk straight. I already have the ida sailer's rudder, but I can't head away with that kindof heal, maybe if my rudder castle was'nt twisting so bad? patrick