Want To Buy: Looking for a Drogue

[brakauskas]

Looking to buy a drogue for a 40 foot 25,000 pound boat

[Orchidius]

Have you considered the Jordan Series Drogue?

Much has been written about it. There are a few sources that sell them as a whole or as a kit to assemble yourself (option to order online and have it shipped to you) or you can make one from scratch.

[sparrowhawk1]

Originally Posted by Orchidius

Have you considered the Jordan Series Drogue?

Much has been written about it. There are a few sources that sell them as a whole or as a kit to assemble yourself (option to order online and have it shipped to you) or you can make one from scratch.

+1 far superior to other types of drogues. Start with a bruce anchor ( hydronamically stable) some chain and then the series drogue

[LakeSuperior]

Based on all of the research, as stated above, a series drogue is the way to go. Make sure you have a bridle set up on hard points with maximal chaff resistance. I installed closed fairleads on the stern corners. Prevent bridle from snagging on any claptrap hanging over the transom.

View the drogue as a system comprised of the parachutes, rode,bridle, and the interface with the hull. Leave no stone unturned. When you need it you will want it to be bulletproof.

[brakauskas]

So I am looking for either a shark or gale rider drogue. My research points to ease of use and retrieval and seems the series drogue is harder to retrieve. My use case is more about providing a solution for a chicago to mackinaw race requirement of steerage without a rudder. Both the shark and gale rider have been used quite effectively for this purpose.

So anyone have a used gale rider or shark drogue?

[Dave852]

I used the shark drogue to successfully travel 200 miles with no steerage. Well built and reasonably priced.

[brakauskas]

Wow that's great to hear. Did you loose your rudder?

[Dave852]

Both rudders were jammed up into the hull after hitting a 100' tree. Rudders wound up turned to port. Used the drogue to get the boat going straight as otherwise she would only go in circles

[brakauskas]

Great to hear it really is an effective way to steer with rudder issues

[stevec195]

I have a partially assembled Jordan Drogue that was too large for my boat, but would work well with yours. The weight would make it pretty restrictive for shipping, but if you are on the upper gulf coast perhaps it would work for you. Price is $200 and the kit includes the remaining parachutes to be installed as well as the very hefty 1" lead line.

[brakauskas]

Thanks but my preference is the shark. May have to buy it new.