fiberglass vs metal rudder

[nickyp]

when would a stainless rudder be preferable to a glass one? is it a matter of the speeds your boat will do?

 

[greg]

when would a stainless rudder be preferable to a glass one? is it a matter of the speeds your boat will do?

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]

when would a stainless rudder be preferable to a glass one? is it a matter of the speeds your boat will do?

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]

They're a pain to build and repair too

Stainless is way easier on both aspects

 

[CEShawn]

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]

I've never heard mine say anything
That's pretty quiet

 

[CEShawn]

Must be a cold day up there Travis... lol

 

[backman]

4 year old fiberglass rudder

36 NB, 670 HP QSM 11, 26 X 26 prop. Picture says all.

 

[CEShawn]

High performance application for you there Larry!

There is probably a pressure change after the post correct?

 

[F/V First Team]

Sure is, should have been made more fair on that particular one

 

[captainlarry84]

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.

 

[nickyp]

thank you everybody