I have a
Catalina 30T. 1990. Went aground early in this past season and chewed up the bottom of the
rudder.
Rudder also has some signs of
delamination in a couple areas, so I am looking at an overall
repair.
I have seen some information about a more optimal rudder shape, both cross section (NACA 0012 airfoil) and profile (leading edge curves aft towards the bottom of the rudder). This reportedly improves
weather helm, pointing ability and ease of maneuvering under
power.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? Anyone have any plans?
I am not opposed to reshaping the rudder - I believe the most crucial tasks will be building a jig to hold the rudder in a proper position, and also aligning the rudder properly with the centerline of the shaft. I know I can also make a jig to use my router to create the NACA 0012 profile. And I can do it for a lot less $$ than a new rudder.
Or, I can just
repair the rudder in its
current shape.
Thanks in advance for any input/advice!