Rudders Not Parallel

[Currie]

Nice tip on the Midwest Control website Hardcrab. Just solved a different problem for me. Thanks!

~Bob

[Jack Sparrow]

Rudder set up is only the starting point when tuning a Mac, removing all the steering slop and parallelling the rudders and also having the ability to adjust rudder toe in (camber would be great as well). Then comes fine tuning the rigging and mast set up as mast jacks are not an option setting rack angle for your most prevailing conditions (our is 15/20 knots off shore southerly). Being able to point becomes a priority and maintaining a heeling angle of 20 degrees on beam reach with only the slightest weather helm in these conditions we raise the lifted side rudder and feel the pressure change (if any) on the helm, our boat will sail straight with slight weather helm by it’s self (no one holding the helm) lower the raised rudder into the water and note the difference of the helm pressure repeat this sailing in the opposite direction raising the opposite rudder. Now comes the hard part finding a compromised adjustment with both rudders in the water at the same time lots and lots of testing and fine tuning, with condition constantly changing (tide, wind gusts, sail settings mast angle, shroud tensions, weight distribution, boat load). All this should keep you occupied for about 5 years it may mean that your boat is faster, sails straighter is easier to handle with your rudders not parallel.

Jack Sparrow

ps I forgot to mention rudder vertical adjustment it plays an important part in the mix as well

[Octaman]

Good evening to all Mac sailors from Athens, Greece.

I have completely solved the issue of keeping rudders parallel.

Re: my mod posting
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/cgi-bin ... record=663

The mod works perfectly; it has now been tried and tested with many miles of cruising.
I highly suggest it to all.

Happy Sailing!

[Paul S]

Good evening to all Mac sailors from Athens, Greece.

I have completely solved the issue of keeping rudders parallel.

Re: my mod posting
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/cgi-bin ... record=663

The mod works perfectly; it has now been tried and tested with many miles of cruising.
I highly suggest it to all.

Happy Sailing!

Nice high quality mod. Not sure if it is on the scale for a averge DIY'er. I know I wouldnt be able to weld SS like that!

[baldbaby2000]

There is a little room for adjustment inherent in the slop where the bolt goes through the vertical post from the rudder. I put JB Weld around those bolts, tightened them a little, and then was able to move my rudders so they were parallel. I then really tightened those bolts and let the epoxy harden. This was some time ago and I should check it but I think it held.

Daniel

[Octaman]

Hi Paul S,

I didn't do the welding myself.
I designed the mod bought the turnbuckle then had the pipe cut and turnbuckle welded at a steel engineer's shop for a small fee.

Thanks for your kind words.

Happy Sailing