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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Thinking about building my own rudder

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shemp
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/21/2010 : 07:55:47

Im thinking about either building my own rudder for my 250WB or modifying the existing one. The stock rudder just doesnt have enought authority. Has anyone done this and could share some tips?

Thanks
Shemp

Jeff Dowling
Chicago
203

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2010 : 08:15:34

In the C25 tech tips there is a submission from a user who did this for his C25. It would be a good starting place for ideas.

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.com/tech/tech25/pictures/bsrudder.gif

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Tom Gauntt
Navigator

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204 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2010 : 12:32:19

Jeff,

Yes, I did tis very project last winter. I learned a great deal about what to do and not do. I hate to keep refering folks to my website, but I'm not sure how to upload this info to the tech section. Check out this page to get started. Shoot me a note if you have specific questions. Good Luck!

http://www.littleboatlil.com/iWeb/Lil/Rudder%20Redux.html

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shemp
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2010 : 12:58:07

Would you happen to know if the dimensions will work on a 250?

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2010 : 18:13:55

Tom,

That's a beautiful job, for sure! Congratulations.

I would think that it might be difficult to produce an accurate replica like yours without an original rudder as a model. The curves of my new store-bought rudder from Catalina, and the curves of your new home-made rudder would be easy enough to copy, but can't be guessed from photos. Plans made with calipers and ruler would suffice, but are themselves hard to get.

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farrison
Navigator

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USA
166 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2010 : 13:10:10

There is a rudder style and design debate going on in the Catalina 250 section you have probably been reading. There are some good links there on design. I don't like the idea of a plastic (Idasailer HDPE), so I am in the process of building a rudder for my 25' wing keel. I did some on-line research on balanced rudders and between that and the tech section info, I came up with a NACA 0012 design that is balanced and pivots at about 13% of cord length. My current, standard rudder sticks down about 2" deeper than my keel, so it hits bottom first (not a good thing). I am shortening the rudder, but making it wider to keep the wetted surface area the same. I am using 4 layers of 3/8" marine mahogany plywood (foam would have been better, but I couldn't find the right kind). I will stiffen it with carbon epoxy strips and cover that with fiberglass/epoxy. Look at Tom Gauntt's website. There is good info there too.
A good winter project. Build your own!

Paul

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2010 : 11:41:34

Tom,

Your Rudder looks great, and I am a fan. Just one question... Does it float?

Like if it comes free of the gudgeons, can you retrieve it, or wil lit sink to the bottom of Georgian Bay and be lost forever while you try to figure out how to get home?

Not that I know anyone who has been stuck in that situation.

If your design does float, then I'm all over that like white on rice, and I'm starting one tomorrow.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2010 : 16:13:46

You don't really need a rudder, it just makes it easier. I have tried sailing all of my boats by adjusting the sail balance. I wouldn't want to do it in a harbor, narrow channel, or anchorage, but it can be done in a pinch without the outboard.

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2010 : 08:48:44

Totally true Dave, But if you are bouncing off the rock, you really want the rudder to get yerself outta there derned fast.

I still want to know, is the one Jeff built bouyant, or should I think about laminating different densities of wood to get better bouyancy?

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.