Pearson Ariel Rudder

[FrankZ]

A friend of mine recently lost part of his rudder on a Pearson Ariel. He is in the first stages of figuring out how he wants to rebuild or trying to find a replacement. Does anyone know of a Ariel rudder out there that might be suitable for a replacement?

[GordMay]

Try
Foss Foam Products of Florida, Inc.
7060 HWY 41 North
Willistin, FL. 32696
352-529-1104
352-529-1106 fax
Al Walker
BobWalker10@aol.com
NewRudders.com » About Us

Or try the Pearson Ariel Association Forum
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Rudder Discussions ➥ rudder discussions - Pearson Ariel Association Forums

[s/v 'Faith']

The rudder on an Pearson Ariel is a nice piece of furniture. The Mahogany planks were joined with sintered bronze rods driven in from the ends. THis made for a strong piece, which could expand and contract when removed from the water.

The ones that have had trouble were either beat to death, or destroyed when the boat was hauled and the seems in the rudder were filled when they opened up as the rudder dried. One failed after the boat was run up on the great barrier reef and pounded on the reef for over an hour, which is pretty much what it takes to break one. Many have been destroyed by well meaning folks filling in the seems with epoxy.

The nice thing is that there is a 'manual' available from the Pearson Ariel Owners Association. It has a blue print of the rudder, and a new section (or complete rudder) can be made by someone with basic wood working skills.

Several folks have made rudders using different methods of construction (many listed in the link Gord posted above). None have had results that were reported to be any better then the original. One of the best was done on Ariel #3, Ariel Spirit. Keith built a nice rudder out of fiberglass, and I personally sailed that boat from Deale, MD to Jacksonville, NC on a delivery. The rudder was shaped like the original, and steered well but had a vibration approaching hull speed that was not present in the original.

Also, IMHO,
Even if Foss foam does make one (and I don't doubt they do) I would think the original rudder would be preferable for strength, and for performance consistent with the original.