Larger rudder?

[captchuck]

I think it's basic, would a larger rudder help in a following sea? & is it worth it?

 

[F/V First Team]

I think it is more of an entry problem than a rudder problem as far as a following sea is concerned.

I know that a larger rudder certainly helps when backing down, going ahead you really don't need a whole lot. And when you think about it, a following sea is just pushing you along with more forward momentum - so with that thought, I don't see what a larger blade would do for you.

 

[captainlarry84]

Big is good.

I would think the larger rudder would help in a following sea. The larger the rudder the better control the rudder will have on the keel which is the driving negative factor in a following sea. I also think that larger reduction gears with the max size wheel also helps in a following sea. Big wheel can act like a brake when you slow down. Push ahead and the large wheel can tell the keel what to do along with good back from the rudder.
Prop size & rudder size two things that we have control of to make things work better.

 

[WoundUpMarine]

when your talking about making a larger rudder, are you talking about the length of it, i guess it would be hard to change the height without messing with the keel. A longer bigger rudder would help with backing down? Travis, wheres a good place to get a stainless rudder in the area?!

 

[F/V First Team]

I am rather partial to Nautilus Marine in Trenton, a bit of a drive for you though. Maybe Marshal would know of a shop closer to you guys?

 

[F/V First Team]

And as far as backing down, someone sliced four inches off my trailing edge on my rudder. Couldn't back down worth half a damn, mostly because the propeller wanted to walk more than I could control with the stubby remains of the rudder. First chance I got I put it back on.

Don't leave people alone with power tools, that's all I have to say.

 

[WoundUpMarine]

is there any kind of "formula" for the size of a rudder that should be put on a certain size boat?

 

[F/V First Team]

Not really, one would want to have the dimensions set so that the skeg would protect the trailing edge of the rudder so it doesn't unstep if, god forbid, you found some rocks while in close to shore. I've seen rudders with leading edges anywhere from a half inch to 8 inches from the center of the shaft. Everyone has their own theory as far as rudders go. And they all claim that they have the best method.

That's why I use the rudders that I do after all

Seems to work out pretty swell for me

 

[Blitzen]

Travis,
Care to share any pictures of the underside of your boat so that we all might have a better understanding of what you are talking about? You know how much we like pictures.

 

[F/V First Team]

What section(s) would you like to view?

 

[WoundUpMarine]

Im guessing running gear and rudder and all that good stuff!

 

[Blitzen]

Well if you are snapping pictures lets see it all, rails, rudder, keel and wheel.

 

[F/V First Team]

I'm still looking through photos, seeing if there are better ones

Please ignore the rope on the last one, just some downeast sabotage

 

[eyschulman]

Out here in NW we have a small company that specializes in articulated rudders new build and after market. Can't remember the name,but the rusults in performance are impressive.

 

[WoundUpMarine]

travis, your skeg goes all the way back to protect the trailing edge of your rudder?

 

[F/V First Team]

It sure does

 

[WoundUpMarine]

must be nice! ill have to avoid the shallows i guess!! i would like a nice stainless rudder though, maybe this spring!

 

[F/V First Team]

Not finding an exact shot of the skeg/blade ratio but this is pretty close

 

[F/V First Team]

looks like you need some sanding time on your bottom too, ought to pick up some speed there

 

[WoundUpMarine]

haha a sanding or a good soda blasting! oh and that exhaust is awesome!