Rudder Mod - Full Skeg to Partial

[four winds]

The bottom section of the skeg was gone when the boat was purchased and I knew this. Someone added a wooden leading edge to the rudder to fill the concave clearance for the original lower skeg section. Of course it was rotten.

The bottom of the remaning partial skeg is a robust, to say the least, bronze mount/hinge/pintle(?) casting which is flush to the outer surface all around the base. Possibly the original section below this was sacrificial as it could not have been glassed over the lower mount and integrated with the upper skeg area.

After pondering how to rebuild the lower skeg a few minutes.... I decided....what the hell, let's make it a partial skeg with a semi-balanced rudder. I didn't research the idea at all. Just knowing some boats are this way was enough for me. LOL

Back in the water now but haven't sailed yet. Been sorting out motoring issues before a coastal cruise, which finally started yesterday. At anchor, Ft. McCree near Pensacola, FL now socked in by fog.

Pics included. All comments welcome.

Could this be an "Oh, what have I done moment!?!"

[four winds]

Another pic.

[Randyonr3]

The only issue I could see is if you go throu a bunch of floating garbage, you may get something hung up in the grove.. we have at times picked up floating weeds between the rudder and hull... simple to remove thou.

[barnakiel]

Looks fine to me. Now you have a semi balanced rudder ;-)

I hope there are not too many crab pots where you sail.

Cheers,
b.

[Jim Cate]

Looks like the rudders on my last two boats... and a nice job of it, too! On our current boat, the builder welded a bit of ~3/8 inch s/s rod that extends from the forward edge of the lower gudgeon shoe down past the gap between skeg and the balance area of the rudder. This deflects any pot warps or other floating lines or weed quite effectively. We've never had any problems with that setup, and we're approaching 50,000 miles in Insatiable II.

Jim

[a64pilot]

On an aircraft's flight control that part you added is called a balance horn, it reduces effort to move the controls.
Maybe attach a steel cable between the bottom of the rudder and the keel t deflect "stuff"
Aircraft I manufacture, we run a steel cable between the canopy and the top of the rudder, it's purpose is solely to deflect power lines should you under fly those and hit one, keeps the rudder form being torn from the aircraft.
Island Packet has a spade rudder, but it has a "lobster strap" that runs from the bottom of the rudder to the keel, sole purpose is to deflect "stuff", it's not there as structure.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[scuba0_1]

Yep I'd add a lobster strap.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[four winds]

Thanks, feeling better about this now.

Crab pots. Yes they are everywhere at times. Just try to spot them and pass on the lee side. Only caught one so far on hundreds of day sails. It came off seconds later. Must be extra careful now.

Jim, I spent some time trying to brainstorm a guard for the slot, which I fabbed up rather narrow. May wish I had done something for this issue.

Here's to hoping nothing get in there before the water temps come up some.

[four winds]

Ah! Lobster strap. Google this I must.

I could have posted questions before this undertaking. Figured someone would ask how many rudders I've repaired or modified. 0

Actually my good friend Terry did the glass work and I finished the fairing and painting.

[deblen]

Rope stop.jpg Views: 242 Size: 410.5 KB ID: 98228" style="margin: 2px" />

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by four winds

Another pic.

Fishing for compliments, I see!

OK, here you are -- looks great!!

[minaret]

Call Wesmar and buy a single kelp cutter fin for their active roll stabilization system, and then install it on the bottom of the skeg right in front of the gap.

[four winds]

Thanks Dockhead.

Minaret, looked up the Wesmar kelp cutter and it gives me some ideas to address the issue. Thanks.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by four winds

Thanks Dockhead.

Minaret, looked up the Wesmar kelp cutter and it gives me some ideas to address the issue. Thanks.

Yep, sure would be easy to make your own.

[four winds]

Thought an update would be in order now.

Finally had a chance to sail yesterday while making my way eastward past Ft. Walton. Entering the huge bay with sun and a fresh breeze I noticed many boats were out taking advantage of the day.

I thought no way I'm going to be the only sailboat motoring across this bay. After noticing the wind direction would put me just off the wind and still on course for the first half, then hard on the wind for the second it was a done deal. Same tack all afternoon. Even sailed under the bridge half way across which felt kinda salty for a newb+.

The rudder mod was a great improvement. The wheel was light to the touch for the first time ever. Finally a constant firm grip was unnecessary. And I now could balance the sail trim and let the boat sail itself for a few moments at a time. Until a wake or other anomoly would start it slowly off course. The slight tension from the disengaged AP belt was all it took to counter the mild weather helm.

Added pleasure came from the fresh bottom job. Which helped to attain a steady 6.2 knots in an estimated 12 or so true.

My face wore a childish grin most all day.