Balanced spade rudders a liability?

[Stumble]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

If it only worked that way!

To be fair, I have only hit the same rock once... I may or may not have hit the same breakwater a few times however.

[01kiwijohn]

I have heard all sorts of horror stories about spade rudders, in general however, my experience has been very good, so far. I did notice that the rudder tube, where it bonds to the hull, was suspect so, I added a 1 inch plywood strut, on edge, straddling the hull, athwartships, to support the tube and move the stresses outboard, the strut ends rest on pads bonded to the hull.
I also try to trim the sails properly and minimize the loads on the rudder, as a matter of course. So far, so good.

[DavefromNZ]

Just a few thoughts on our L450 rudders;

They are about 10cm higher than the bottom of the keels so no problem beaching.
At about 2-3kts a hard turn will see the yacht turn 180 deg at about 2 boat widths.
The yacht tacks easily unless in steep swells.
At 23kts down a wave the steering is hard work but no tendency to broach.
I mark the top of the stock and no slippage down seen. Still seem in excellent condition after 7000nm.


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