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shows two of the four reasons why I will be replacing my Idasail rudder with one made out of a good hardwood and then glassed. First, I have stress fractures on the surface from times when I sailed the boat with too much weatherhelm (regardless of the reason). I want a rudder that is strong enough to take the weatherhelm without stress and there just ins't anything in the hunk of plastic that gives any sort of structural support. Second, the glued on spacers have come unglued and I can't get them to stick no matter what. You can see those at the top of the rudder in the picture. If I leave them in unglued as spacers then they can cause the rudder to bind when not fully down (like on the BEER cruise coming into Quietwater). With one or no spacers in there the rudder has way too much play for my comfort and percision steering.
Now for the two reasons that aren't pictured. Third, the Idasail rudder is much too heaving and negatively boyant. It makes it hard to lift and manage. If I have a rudder that is negatively boyant, it should be heavy enough that I don't need a hauldown. If I need a hauldown, the board must be able to float for easy raising and handling. Fourth, I want something that is shorter and wider which both increases my shoal water capabilities and gives me something much more manageable when partly raised under reverse with the motor running.
I will post pictures later this summer as the rudder rebuild progresses. I am hoping for something that only extends 18" below the transom and am willing to experiment to make this work.
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MacGregor/Venture Forum
Roundup problems w/ Idasailor rudder -- Eric J Mac 26D -- 6/15/08 5:01p.m.
Idasailor rudder stall -- Bob, '74 Venture 25, San Mateo FL -- 6/15/08 7:44p.m.
-- Ramblin' Rod - Mac 26D - SeaQuell - Georgian Bay. -- 6/15/08 8:31p.m.
-- Bob s-v Watermark - Mac26S - Ottawa River - ON -- 6/17/08 5:57a.m.
The picture in your post -- Scott, Mac26D, Kennesaw, GA -- 6/16/08 9:53a.m.
