Chrysler Sailors Forum

I would like to float (NPI) a curious question, after reading about Jeff's sheared rudder and other posts concerning problems both big and small on the c26 rudder system... has anyone seriously looked into modifying the transom area to except a outboard rudder system? With the motor mount dead center of the transom and the stern's tapering angle on my 1980 model this would take some doing, if it's doable at all. In short would it be less costly in time, money and aggravation to just deal with the short comings of the c26 rudder system as is, than to think about such a modiification. I'm not truly unhappy with the rudder I have now, its just I would like to know if such a modification could be a viable option in the future.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora (for now)

Since the topic has come up recently, I've been thinking about the same thing. I don't particularly like the gaping hole in the transom for the outboard and my bracket has been modified do to cracking. I also have a wheel, that I'd like to retain, which complicates the installation of a transom hung rudder.
Filling in the transom would not be that big of deal, 3/4" marine ply and glass would take care of that. Offset gudgeons would solve the transom angle problem and you'd need a new outboard motor bracket. I think you'd have enough swing between the backstay attachments.

I agree with Jeff, moving to a heavier wall tube and I also think that 1/4" plate for the cheeks would be much better. Of coarse, there is always the shorter, wider, fixed rudder option.