When we got the boat the rudder was in pretty bad shape. It was not secured properly when towing so it rubbed the asphalt for a while and the particle board was starting to split at the top so I just didn't want to mess with the fiberglass repairs.
So I used the original rubber as a template and sketched the outline onto a 3/4" thick piece of high density polyethylene that i had laying around the shop. The frame that secures the rudder to the tiller post has an inside opening of 1 1/2" so I cut some 3/8" PVC sheet to match the metal and keep the 3/4" HDPE rudder centered.
I know this isn't the best design fluid dynamics wise, but it will do for now. I did not have the $500 to buy a replacement HDPE rudder so as long as this one deflects the water and I can turn I will be happy. I still need to feather the leading and trailing edges and drill out the rope holes for lowering it but I couldn't wait any longer before i showed someone my creation!
My HDPE Rudder...
- Andiron120
- Site Admin
- Posts: 135
- Joined: Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:28 am
- Location: Lake Whitney, Texas
rudder
Looks really good to me, little bit of work around the edges with a belt sander or router and it should work as good as the original, if not better.
"I feel no need to go anywhere the ice gets larger than will fit in my glass"
Thanks I am pretty happy with it. I was debating as to whether I should buy a large radius roundover bit or if I should just go at it with the belt sander.
What are your opinions on the leading/trailing edge shape of the rudder?
Radius on the leading edge seems to be very common, but I think a sharp leading edge would start the deflection of water quicker and make turning quicker. However it may make straight tracking harder and your hand would always have to be on the tiller?
What are your opinions on the leading/trailing edge shape of the rudder?
Radius on the leading edge seems to be very common, but I think a sharp leading edge would start the deflection of water quicker and make turning quicker. However it may make straight tracking harder and your hand would always have to be on the tiller?
- Andiron120
- Site Admin
- Posts: 135
- Joined: Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:28 am
- Location: Lake Whitney, Texas
- Capt. Bondo
- Site Admin
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- Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:08 am
- Location: Hudson, WI
Round over should be all you need, remember top hull speed if your lucky will only be 7kts.
With the narrow rudder body, you may experiance some water coming up through the rudder shaft/pipe the ropes that raise and lower rudder run through. Sometimes if I don't have the rudder all the way down, I get a little geyser out the top of the rudder shaft
With the narrow rudder body, you may experiance some water coming up through the rudder shaft/pipe the ropes that raise and lower rudder run through. Sometimes if I don't have the rudder all the way down, I get a little geyser out the top of the rudder shaft
H:)ppy Place
78 Chrysler 22
You can go to a Zen Master or you can go Sailing, either way you end up in about the same place..... a Happy Place
78 Chrysler 22
You can go to a Zen Master or you can go Sailing, either way you end up in about the same place..... a Happy Place
That looks fine to me. Round the leading edge and taper the trailing edge and should be very efficient. I think a belt sander would be fine.
I don't know much about HPDE. Is that going to be stiff/strong enough for the forces involved?
With the 3/4" thickness, how are you attaching the retract and deploy lines?
I don't know much about HPDE. Is that going to be stiff/strong enough for the forces involved?
With the 3/4" thickness, how are you attaching the retract and deploy lines?
Tom
1981 Endeavour 43 s/v Pearl Lee
Former 1976 Columbia Payne 9.6 s/v Gin Rhumby
Former 1979 Chrysler 26, s/v Copacetic
http://www.asswhaffleyachtclub.net
http://www.svpearllee.com
1981 Endeavour 43 s/v Pearl Lee
Former 1976 Columbia Payne 9.6 s/v Gin Rhumby
Former 1979 Chrysler 26, s/v Copacetic
http://www.asswhaffleyachtclub.net
http://www.svpearllee.com