quick fix for rudder slop

[Highlander]

Hi Ross U ditch runner !! again

J

[BOAT]

It would be SO great if there was a person who worked at the factory that has insight into the design of the rudder systems on the MacGregor boats. What a interesting chat that would be to be able to sit down with the folks that designed this system and hear all the reasons why they did what they did.

The rudders on the MAC just don't look like what I am used to seeing under a sailboat - I really would like to know how they came up with that shape and that profile. Did they just "wing it"? Or was there a very special way and reason how they came up with that shape??

I would love to have a professional naval architect look at the MAC rudders and get his thoughts.

[Russ]

The reason the rudders don't work very well is because they are not wide enough. A single rudder on a boat our size should be about 20 inches or more from front to back and not go so deep into the water. That is why the boat is gamey - not enough rudder in the water.

There is no way the rudder system on the boat can handle a rudder that big. You can easily fit much wider rudders by just making them wider:



But, the rudder steering system is not strong enough and would bend and the top of the rudder would crack off if the rudders were the right size.

One big wide rudder in the middle usually works better.

I agree with you on the size of the rudder being too small. My boat seems under ruddered, especially at low and high speeds.
Not sure a single rudder would be better though. Our wide tail ends lift out of water. Having a rudder on the low side deep probably works best.

It would be SO great if there was a person who worked at the factory that has insight into the design of the rudder systems on the MacGregor boats. What a interesting chat that would be to be able to sit down with the folks that designed this system and hear all the reasons why they did what they did.

The rudders on the MAC just don't look like what I am used to seeing under a sailboat - I really would like to know how they came up with that shape and that profile. Did they just "wing it"? Or was there a very special way and reason how they came up with that shape??

I would love to have a professional naval architect look at the MAC rudders and get his thoughts.

Agreed.

I've been in boat factories as you have and have seen that much of what they do is fairly low tech. I seriously doubt much went into the rudder design. Much probably hinged on the motor in the center and making it trailerable. Those guys at ruddercraft seem to know what they are doing though.
The M rudder controls seem to be much inferior to the X in that they are not adjustable. What they gain is the controls are below decks and out of the way.

[Baerkanu]

Late to the party here, sorry - Seahouse, any extra spacers laying around that I could buy?

- Clay

[seahouse]

I emailed you Clay, I'll make you up a set.
-Brian.

[raycarlson]

From what ive seen most mac engr done by roger m was centered on pinching a penny in half if possible. most ideas were done on a cocktail napkin while out sailing. but it all turned out fairly well in the end.

[BOAT]

I am told that people from Scotland are thrifty. I wonder if Highlander might be able to shed a little light on this. Are Scottish people more thrifty?

[Baerkanu]

I emailed you Clay, I'll make you up a set.
-Brian.

Thanks Brian!!

[Brian]

I just ordered a set as well. This forum always tempts me to spend money...

[Highlander]

I,m thinking of taking one of my ida sailor rudders & take it to a fiberglass shop an get a quote to make replicas in fiberglass once the sailing season is over
If the price is right I'll then redesign the rudder brkt,s to allow for the rudders to raise & lower vertically this would involve adding an additional upper support brkt that would be braced into the lower rudder brkt the top brkt i would consider puting on an approximate 15% -20% off-set angle so the top brkt,s would be set inside closer toward the eng well this would allow for the rudders to be used in any depth of water for better steering under power in shallow water under 4ft
once I decide on the design of the top rudder brkt,s i,d then get a quote to make them & modify lower brkt,s to suit
the head of the rudders in this design could then be widened to the same width of the rest of the rudders for more support & then they would have to be lengthened to accomadate the top brkt when in the lowest possition but as new rudders would be made from fiberglass this would not be an issue
Only thing that might be an issue is the front of the rudders would have to be moved aft by about 2" approx anyone think of a down side to that !!
The off-set rudders would mean the leeward rudder would be running vertical on a 15%-20% heel
J

[BOAT]

The one thing you lose with a sliding up and down rudder is the part of the rudder that goes under the boat - I think that pert might be important because it helps balance the load on the rudder when you turn.

[BOAT]

Another thing - Perhaps it's time I change my avatar to be what I really look like - I think Kevin was trying to be nice to me when he picked my troll avatar but that's not what I really look like.

I will change my avatar with a picture of myself today.

[Highlander]

So u going from Pink hair to No Hair !!!

J

[BOAT]

RIGHT!

[dlandersson]

Reminds me of Bill Cosby in "Noah".

RIGHT!