Self centering Rudder.

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trebor
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Self centering Rudder.

Post by trebor »

Does anyone have a design idea or photo's of a self centering Rudder ?
I would like to try on my Sprint, or not, if it is not a good idea.
Robert
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ptostu
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by ptostu »

Hello it's what we use on the moths, bungee cord and hook underneath tiller towards transom makes recovery easier. Will see if I have some pics stu
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Rupert
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by Rupert »

I've known people to use it when single handing Mirror dinghies, too, so the boat goes in a straight line when you let everything go to put the spinny up.

Why on the Minisail, though?
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by jpa_wfsc »

Velcro hooks on the deck and fur around the tiller extension - allows you to set the rudder at any chosen angle, which can be useful, especially single handed cruising (heaving too, throwing up, etc).
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trebor
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by trebor »

I would like it to self centre when I accidentally drop tiller extension, at least that way you will go straight, rather than veer off.
Robert
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by Rupert »

I'd rather have a rudder that cared about the feelings of others.
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trebor
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by trebor »

Even Fishermen ?
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by Rupert »

Do fishermen have feelings?
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trebor
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by trebor »

I think they have feelings of self righteous anger.
The Police have to be Tazered, if they wish to carry one, (so they know what it feels like), Fishermen should be prepared to have a hook in their mouth and be dragged from a pool.
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Michael Brigg
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by Michael Brigg »

Rupert wrote:I'd rather have a rudder that cared about the feelings of others.
In which case you will need to get a moral compass as well. (Crews in cassocks perhaps?)
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Ed
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by Ed »

The rudder on my canoe seems to rarely consider my feelings, in fact it doesn't care much for my opinion in general really.

Mind you, it is held in line with an elastic.

To, be honest, although in some boats, an elastic can be useful, I don't think it will help keep your boat going straight all that much. A bit, but not a lot.

Most boat steering happens due to the angle the hull is in the water. The rudder follows in the water from the pressure of the steering forces provided by the angle of tilt. These forces are pretty strong and I suspect stronger than your elastic (depending on rudder). So, keep the boat flat and it will go straight - whatever the rudder is doing. If you want to turn the boat, use foot steering to change your direction. The elastic would need to be strong to override the hull-steering.

The elastic will need to be stronger for a swept back rudder than for a upright dagger

Why is there one on my canoe? Well, it has a balanced rudder with the pivot at about 30-40% of the chord, so there isn't much pressure to centre it from the water so it helps to minimise the potential drag and makes the position of the extension a bit more predictable in any recovery situation.

But very interested in any experience you can share with this.

Best wishes

eib
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by JimC »

Not the least of reasons for the elasticated rudder is that it means you know where its going to be. Especially useful when scrambling back in the boat post capsize 'cause it will keep the boat vaguely on track while you sort yourself out. Increasing load to remind you you've over steering isn't a bad thing either.
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trebor
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by trebor »

Their are several "good reasons" in Ed's and jimc's posts for trying this.
I tend to have problems with Tiller extension and on Aquabat with centre/aft main dropping all over rudder and anything else it can snag, this will not improve regardless of how many years I sail, I have slight manual dexterity issues caused by a serious head injury, I can hold a cup for hours, then find it on the floor and me scratching my nose with hand that was holding cup.
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PeterV
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by PeterV »

It will also allow you to stand on the foredeck while sailing downwind!
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trebor
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Re: Self centering Rudder.

Post by trebor »

OK tried this, so far no negatives, eliminated annoying flicking from blade oscilating, you can feel resistance when you push on tiller, makes you think and look to see why you need to use rudder.
I wrapped bungee round tiller and centre hiking strap, caused no issues with hiking strap.
Appears to be a worthwhile mod.
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