Ida Rudder for 1990 MacGregor 26D

[Duke]

Another sailor suggested that I purchase and IDA Rudder for my 1990 Macgregor 26D sailboat

I am looking for some feed back on the performance of the IDA rudder. Like everyone else I would like to obtain the best performance while under sail

Thanks
Duke

[johnhenry]

I have a 26D and I added 2 inchs to the foreward edge of the rudder and it balanced the boat out beautifully, I race my boat a lot against a large fleet of mixed boats of all sizes. (The only boat that pulls higher into the wind is a ' Viper', and he is a very good sailor to. It sails like a true dingy and will manhandle into the wind. ) / I have understood the Ida rudder to be adjust for the same ideas I used, moveing the center of effort in the boat slightly forward. When you adjust the math on the boat to a point where their is very little helm into the wind it runs amazingly fast. I see MANY supprised looks out on the water. And often I am asked how I modifyed my boat, because it sails much faster than the PHRF numbers give it credit for! Making it almost unbeatable, other than capt. error!! Theoretically your boat will be at its best when there is no preasure on the tiller, and only reasonable pull on it in a full gust.
johnhenry

[Rank Bajin]

It could be worth your while to talk with Joel at IDA, to see if what he would propose for the 26D would fall close with what johnhenry has implemented. The improved performance of his boat seems quite amazing.