Jury rudder - stern or side?

[Robert Wilson]

Thinking the unthinkanble! If a jury rudder has to be constructed and mounted (probably in an angry sea) I would have a problem mounting/attaching to the stern due to the boat's stern's shape (counter/overhang).
Would a side-mounted jury rudder be effective at steering? Obviously the "tiller" would be awkward to use.

Anyone with any experience of such a mounting?

 

[Rigger Mortice]

The Romans and other ancients used side rudders.

 

[sailor211]

Having sailed some 100's miles with a plank of wood on a spinning pole, I would say mounting on the side will be as effective.

Yachts rudder missing.

We had to limit the movement as with a swell you were either hammered in to the deck, or catapulted off the back. So it was not easy to use as a sweep. However the "rudder"at 30 degrees to the water worked well by rotation. In our case a crow bar through the end and twist. Worked from F2 to F7.

 

[lenseman]

Off the side every time and it has to be the leeward deck assuming your yacht rounds up to weather.

In this way, you use the hull as the fulcrum point to carry the load. Also, by using the lee deck your 'rudder' can be shorter to reach the water therefore less ‘effort’. It can be fabricated out of a sole plate or out a heads door or even weatherboards if clement. As has been suggested elsewhere a spinnaker pole or a boat hook can be lashed on and used as a lever.

You mustn't forget that under these circumstances, you are not racing anymore or going for any sort of speed record, you are into survival mode to get you your yacht and the crew to a safe haven.

Obviously, if you try to maintain 6 knots or more you are going to struggle to man the helm. You will need to shorted sail even under benign conditions with just enough way on the yacht to maintain steerage.

As you confidence grows, you can increase your canvas and spend time balancing your boat.



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[Seajet]

I agree a side mounting will suit most boats, but on my 22' I have a rowlock mounting in the transom coaming for this purpose; really must try out the theoretical spin pole and bunk top before I need it in anger...

 

[Robert Wilson]

Thanks one and all.
I think I have plenty of "bits" aboard to make a decent "blade and stock", but hadn't thought about leeward deck requirements so the mounting would have to be easily swapped from side to side.

Heartily agree that in jury rudder mode I would NOT be racing any more and would be aiming straight for a haven (hopefully not Heaven!)

Like my MoB kit, wood bungs, liferaft and flare-pack, I hope never find out if my idea works!

Good sailing day up here, hope you all have as good or better,

RW

 

[lenseman]

. . . . . .. but hadn't thought about leeward deck requirements so the mounting would have to be easily swapped from side to side. . . . . . .

Ahh, you are still thinking of getting to your destination wherever that might be?

Under a jury rigged rudder, safe haven should be uppermost in your mind even if it is a longer passage in a totally different port. This mitigates the need for constant changing of the 'rudder'. It might even mean 'wearing' and running with a following wind. The least course changes are what you aim for in those circumstances.

ps: 'Wearing is a controlled gybe, gybing is an uncontrolled 'wear'.

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[Robert Wilson]

Ahh, you are still thinking of getting to your destination wherever that might be?

Under a jury rigged rudder, safe haven should be uppermost in your mind even if it is a longer passage in a totally different port. This mitigates the need for constant changing of the 'rudder'. It might even mean 'wearing' and running with a following wind. The least course changes are what you aim for in those circumstances.

ps: 'Wearing is a controlled gybe, gybing is an uncontrolled 'wear'.

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Well, not actually thinking of aiming for some original destination, more along the lines of "Sod's Law", in that at some time I'd be required to tack to avoid obstruction/coast/harbour entrance etc etc.

But I take your point(s) - especially about running before a wind.
Although somewhat annoying if sailing off The Hebrides in a strong Easterly!!!

Thanks again
R

 

[lenseman]

. . . . Although somewhat annoying if sailing off The Hebrides in a strong Easterly!!!

What are you worried about, you could currently run to Rockall.

http://www.rockallsolo.com/

At least there is a Harbour Master there at the moment to take your lines; well there will be in a few days !!!



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[Robert Wilson]

What are you worried about, you could currently run to Rockall.

http://www.rockallsolo.com/

At least there is a Harbour Master there at the moment to take your lines; well there will be in a few days !!!



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Aye, and St.Kilda would be "makeable"
But an awful lot of water to hit if the wind blows unfairly!