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fiberglass vs metal rudder
- Thread starter nickyp
- Start date
greg
Commodore
I've got a glass rudder as well and asked the same question at some point. The answer I got was I could see an extra knot (or more) at cruise with the same rpm's.
They said to try to hold a bat or other thick item in the water vertically while cruising and then try to hold a knife. I never tried it, but I got the point.
I imagine there are other benefits. It's a much bigger ground plane for your bonding system, it would probably survive being hit by an object better, and it probably has higher resale value.
Eventually a glass rudder could begin to get play in it around the shaft. That wouldn't be good.
Anyway, thats what I was told. Ymmv. Experts will have more detail.
jerseysportfisher
Admiral
From talking with some builders, it has more to do with prop thrust. Eventually the glass wont be able to stay together.
F/V First Team
Admiral
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They're a pain to build and repair too
Stainless is way easier on both aspects
Stainless is way easier on both aspects
CEShawn
Admiral
I agree with everyone on this post but let me ask you this, is there any truth to the fact that a fiberglass rudder is quieter? Seen some fisherman claim this...
F/V First Team
Admiral
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I've never heard mine say anything
That's pretty quiet
That's pretty quiet
CEShawn
Admiral
Must be a cold day up there Travis... lol
backman
Commodore
4 year old fiberglass rudder
36 NB, 670 HP QSM 11, 26 X 26 prop. Picture says all.
36 NB, 670 HP QSM 11, 26 X 26 prop. Picture says all.
CEShawn
Admiral
High performance application for you there Larry!
There is probably a pressure change after the post correct?
There is probably a pressure change after the post correct?
F/V First Team
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Sure is, should have been made more fair on that particular one
captainlarry84
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- KristenFormer Charter Captain
Steel is real!
Fiberglass Ruddesr are fine on low HP 15 knot boats. Steel is real. With todays high HP larger wheeled boat the glass take a beating.
My 1st choice is always a bronze wheel as they get along better with a bronze & nibral wheel. If you go Stainless or bronze make sure they a well tided into the bonding system.
Fiberglass Ruddesr are fine on low HP 15 knot boats. Steel is real. With todays high HP larger wheeled boat the glass take a beating.
My 1st choice is always a bronze wheel as they get along better with a bronze & nibral wheel. If you go Stainless or bronze make sure they a well tided into the bonding system.
