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What's in a rudder?

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sgoodhue
1st Mate

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USA
28 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/08/2009 : 16:30:36

Well it is that time of year again. What to spend my money on?? The only thing left is a new rudder. I am done with the annual ritual of fixing/filling cracks and what nots. Has anyone used the HDPE rudders sold by Catalina Direct? What does it do to the PHRF rating?
As a cost comparison, I called Catalina to find out what the cost with shipping for an OEM rudder (fiberglass) from the factory is. Still waiting for the callback. I am leaning towards the standard balanced rudder that Catalina Direct sells (catalog #E1709) and installing the hvy duty gudgeons. Thoughts?

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 03/08/2009 : 17:23:59

My thought is that if I were to replace my fiberglas rudder, I would like to get the same exact one. The original has lasted since boat was built in 1989. It was the latest of the Catalina 25 rudders...believe the balanced design. If the original was able to last 20 years, then if the exact replacement is available, it means troublefree service function hopefully for many, many more years.

I have read on this Forum some issues with the new plastic composite, etc material rudders being marketed by other mfrs and so I would be very hesitant to go with something new that has not been out there long enough to build up a track record like my original.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2009 : 08:44:46

Like Larry, I'm a little leery of these HDPE rudders as well and would not buy one at this point.

Posted by Craig Vitt...

<i>I purchased a C250 WK (#521) over a year ago, and when purchased, it had an IDA balanced rudder...A short time ago, while sailing off the N. California coast, in moderate conditions (20kt wind, 6' swell w/ 2' wind waves), with the main reefed and a 110 jib, I rounded up in a puff, and my IDA rudder broke in half...</i>

Posted by Gary Bruner...

<i>"I bought the IdaSailor rudder last summer, too, after my original one snapped off. I thought I was happy with it last fall and early spring when conditions were VERY light. However, with bigger breeze this spring, and the fact that I race and carry more sail than if I was cruising, I found that the IdaSailor did not work well for me.

I kept rounding up both downwind under spinnaker and upwind with the 135 and full main in about 20 knots of breeze. I sold the IdaSailor on this site this spring, with the caveat that I felt it was best in light conditions or for those who reef or shorten sail early."</i>

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2009 : 20:32:23

If it doesn't break, it must bend under load; HDPE is much more flexible than a cored fiberglass shell.

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Tom Gauntt
Navigator

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204 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2009 : 22:52:21

Well, I'm about to find out "what's in a rudder".

My original unbalanced rudder was showing a very obvious split along the vertical seam and also had a wicked twist longitudinally. I priced the new ones from CD and IDA and thought I might be able to build one myself and save some boat units.

I had a little vertical grain Douglas Fir taking up space, so I milled it down to 1 1/2 by 1 1/2, alternated the grain, and laminated them together using the plan offered in the "technical tips" section for a balanced rudder. I just ordered the fiberglass, resin, and putty (from Jamestown Direct) to finish it all off. While this rudder will be heavy, it will be over-engineered, strong, and probably homely, but mostly strong. New pintles and gudgeons from CD will complement the new setup.

I've been taking pictures throughout the process and will post a few when I get the rudder completed. While I am very comfortable working with working wood, I am a relative novice working with FRP. Therein lies the challenge!

Bottom line: A new, solid wood-cored, hand made, balanced rudder for less than $200.

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sgoodhue
1st Mate

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USA
28 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2009 : 13:53:39

Done deal. bought a balanced, fiberglass replacement with new gudgeons/hvy duty pintles from Catalina Direct. Should arrive in two weeks. couldn't get any bonefide answers about the deflection of the HDPE rudder when under load.

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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.