HughHarv
Hugh
I thought I'd share these pics to show the rudder rebuilt with a 6" stretch to the midsection following B.K.'s drawings as best I could in the process. Someday, maybe early next summer, I'll launch and see how she steers.
Thanks for posting those Hugh !
Interesting way to do the stretch ... was that your idea or did you copy someone else's work. Neat idea either way.
Surprising easy execution, once I figured out how to jig it up straight.
Did you put in any structural members to tie the two original parts together across the extension piece ?
No, my cut followed the steel plate which extends quite a ways down the rudder so I figured if I glassed over some foam using epoxy it'd be sturdy enough. But maybe I just created a break-away rudder, time will tell.
So you can actually wait until next year to try it out !? I'd be bursting at the seams to find out if it was me
I'm usually not that patient but I know me, if I don't get a lot of the other smaller projects done before launch, they'll never get done. Sail or....sail!
-Sven
Looks great. Was it cost-effective compared to buying a new "revised" rudder from Foss Foam in California?
I ask because I replaced the rudder on my E32 this season and the new rudder doesn't have that (distinctive-looking but aerodynamically unsound) swept-back angle at the leading edge.
It's also a bit deeper than the original, with just a bit more surface area.
And it was fairly reasonable compared to a rebuilding.
It should make a big difference as you have done it!
I would have eliminated the concavity of the rudder, and added a litter more to the chord dimension as well while I was at it, but I am certain that you will see a difference in the way the boat steers. (A positive one! )
Looks great. Was it cost-effective compared to buying a new "revised" rudder from Foss Foam in California?
Depends on ones goals. Before I bought the boat, I had already decided to learn all that I could about the boat and keep cost under control. That meant doing everything I could myself, if the rudder functions better than original then I"ll think it was a heck of a deal.
I ask because I replaced the rudder on my E32 this season and the new rudder doesn't have that (distinctive-looking but aerodynamically unsound) swept-back angle at the leading edge.
Yeah, I hope that swept back angle really helps to keep stray lines and kelp from hanging up on the rudder. Maybe if I go a few years without having to dive on it in the middle of the night to clear a snag....
It's also a bit deeper than the original, with just a bit more surface area.
Cool. Have you actually calculated the difference in area? If the Foss rudder has a longer chord and is also thicker chord, without a lot cut away at tip, you may have even more additional surface area than before.
And it was fairly reasonable compared to a rebuilding.
I haven't calculated the difference in area but it's obvious from the drawing.
I think this is the same rudder shape that I was advised against buying, something about less surface area due to less chord dimension? Like comparing a thin fighter wing with less lift versus a thicker bomber wing with more lift. What is important is have you tried it out in all conditions and did the new shape prove itself equal or superior to the original?
The cost was $1400 before shipping. Could have saved a few hundred had I used my existing rudder stock, etc. but it didn't seem worth it to excavate the hardware out of the old rudder, send it to California, and risk that it was worn or rusted, etc. beyond reuse.
Hi Harvey,
Have you gotten the new rudder design out sailing? Anything to report?