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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Rudder Craft / Ida Sailor Feedback

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watercayman
1st Mate

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Cayman Islands
49 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/04/2011 : 20:20:11

Hi Folks,

I know I've searched this board for good vendor info in the past, so thought I'd report back on my experience with Rudder Craft (formerly Ida Sailor).

I had a problem earlier in the year with my rudder (posted on C250 board) and wanted to give an update: In this economy where everyone is trying to squeeze everything they can out of their customer, I found the folks at Rudder Craft a refreshing and pleasant change. Not only did they do their best to get me a replacement blade as soon as possible, but followed up with some of the best customer experience I've seen in a long time. Each person I spoke with at their factory really went out of their way to make sure I was happy with the new rudder, and readily available to give knowledgeable advice. Warranty covered without question as well.

Anyway - I am a satisfied customer, and figured it might help some to know about my experience with them.

Kind regards,

Mike

Mike Barrowman

Beneteau 311
P/O 1999 Catalina 250WK - #414
Cayman Islands

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2011 : 06:48:28

thumbs up!

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2011 : 07:02:16

Hey Mike, we're trying to get folks to mark their boat location on an interactive map. If you look at the very top of the general sailing page at the first sticky it'll explain, check it out! A little heads up, you have to unlock the map with the password "Iris" before it'll let you post, and then after you enter your info you have to press the "submit" button.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2011 : 07:55:31

It's great to hear they replaced the rudder for you, but personally, I'm not a fan of HDPE rudders as they've been described as somewhat bendy and reports of HDPE rudders randomly snapping gives me pause. With the type of sailing I do, I think I'd be more comfortable with a traditionally built rudder rather than an HDPE rudder, even with it's lifetime's worth of free replacements.

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watercayman
1st Mate

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Cayman Islands
49 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2011 : 08:39:52

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DaveR
 Hey Mike, we're trying to get folks to mark their boat location on an interactive map. If you look at the very top of the general sailing page at the first sticky it'll explain, check it out! A little heads up, you have to unlock the map with the password "Iris" before it'll let you post, and then after you enter your info you have to press the "submit" button.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

What a great idea. I've added the (so-far) southern-most point !

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2011 : 05:08:42

First, thanks for the report on mfr satisfaction. Reading the boat magazines, you also pick up these stories of great support by mfrs for our boats. It is very reassuring.

I eventually will want to replace my rudder. I too have read the stories of some of these newer HDPE rudders occassionally snapping. I do not want to go through this. I basically would want the same exact rudder I have on the boat now but "NEW". My thought is that my present rudder has lasted for over 20 years and if it was good for 20 years, that is exactly the rudder I would want to replace it with and especially because my '89 had the balanced rudder from the start. My thought is why would I go with a different rudder matl when the original has held up so well. I have not looked at Catalina Direct recently but I seem to recall they offer various different rudders and one of the styles, I thought it was made to the same basic specs as the original. Is that true ? If the original for my boat can still be had, what would be the reason for going with a different materially constructed rudder ? Are there benefits ? If I can get the same rudder I have now but new - I am buying that one.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.