Outdrive Add Ons

[syd]

Hi all, Merry Christmas.
I've seen an add on for any outdrive which is supposed to help steering at low speeds. It is a rudder that clamps on to the outdrive and sticks out behind the prop, it folds up automatically when motoring at higher speeds and drops when going slow. Anyone heard or had experience of these, might get one if they are any good.
Cheers
Syd

 

[peterg]

tried this Ruddersafe' device on a Fairline 21 a few years ago as it wandered like a b*stard but can't say I noticed much difference with it and after 3-4 months the swivelling bit that lifts it at high speed got gummed up with weed etc. and refused to go back down when I slowed so I took it off at the next winter lift and chucked it in the bin! (bit disappointing as it cost best part of £200!)

 

[BarryD]

Thanks for that Peter - I saw it in the recent RYA / Compass "buy me" thingie and wondered if it might improve the handling of MVII. Having said that fixing the power steering might be of more use <G>

 

[Guest]

I'm pleased to see a comment on these gadgets as I was interested but sceptical.

 

[boatone]

I had an add on rudder from Bob Knowles for my Enfield Z Drive on the last boat (a narrow beam Norman) and certainly found it added some much needed steering capability at low speeds when the engine was in neutral.
I jhave now bought an add on Ruddersafe for the P32 but have not yet fitted it so will have to wait till the spring to see how effective it is. I dont think these things are supposed to do anything other than help at slow speed with prop in neutral - going into locks, berthing etc and I would expect anyone with a guzzle monster on a planing boat to find them a waste of time and money. However for a displacement boat my feeling is that they do bring a useful touch of oomph to the party.

TonyR
boatone@boatsontheweb.com

 

[Guest]

I decided to take my old bayliner on the Broads a few years ago and after getting positive comments from another boat on an MBM Cruising club event decided to fit a Ruddersafe.

When the pack arrived I wandered out to the boat and happily attacked the job of fitting this new bit of kit, as usual with me I did'nt bother with the instructions and after a succesfull spannering session the ruddersafe was fitted- just one last turn of the screws to check they were tight-that was the point that I snapped the alloy mounting clamp in 2.

Rang up ruddersafe "Yes sir happens all the time, over torqued the screws we will send you another pair of clamps £15 +VAT +postage"
New clamps arrived and carefully fitted with expensive new torque wrench toy thingy.

Took the boat to the Broads and despite what I told the wife "fantastic, should have fitted one years ago,best 200 quid I've spent etc etc" I really couldnt tell it was on the boat no noticable difference to low or high speed handling.

One week later when I took the boat out of the water the ruddersafe had fallen off!! I've no idea at what point it fell off.

However the guy who recommended them to me still swears by them-maybe it depends on the boat, his was a Hardy 20 with an outboard.

You pays your money and you takes your choice.

Hope this helps

Mark Foster

 

[BarryH]

Just a thought. but can these add on rudder thingys really work, i can see the logic behind the flipping up a high speed, but the stresses imparted on the outdrive must be quiet high. forces that were never taken into account in the first place at the design stage. How many people have fitted the hydrofoil things only to have the cav plate snap off. extra forces on the swivel mech etc can only lead to premature wear. and lets face it outdrive boats steer by directing the force of the prop thrust. I say forget em, nothing takes the place of helmsmanship

 

[boatone]

You are of course absolutely right - outdrives do steer by directing the force of the prop thrust. And therein lies the problem. At very slow speeds kicking the prop ahead or astern not only gives a directional component, it also results in a fore and aft thrust which has an effect on boat speed as well as direction.
The beauty of the small add on rudder (IMHO of course) is that it gives just enough steering advantage to help in slow speed manoeuvring situations such as locks and berthing etc. Please note I said SLOW speeds and I very much doubt if \I would be remotely interested in fitting one to a planing monster as the drag etc and stress on fittings would also concern me. But, on the non tidal thames where I currently do my boating I found the add on a definite advantage in allowing me to have greater steering control as long as the boat had some way on without the need to create fore and aft thrust.
Mind you, we are talking finesse here. Bull at a gate must have loads of revs nutters woiuldnt understand that I suppose. I quite resent the 'helmsmanship' slur - many's the compliment I've received for my helmsmanship skills!
So there............................

TonyR
boatone@boatsontheweb.com

 

[BarryH]

Where did i "slur" your helmsmanship skills, what i said was i dont think that "we" should rely on the addons to make up a shortfall in our skills. And yes you are right a component of the thrust from any prop is not forward or reverse thrust, but a side ways thrust. and as for thames boaters they proberly have a higher level of skill than those of us in the wide open blue yonder (thats gonna get some slating) as most if not all of their boating is done at the most difficult speed. Slow. and in confined spaces, but then thats another thread whos better, river cruisers or those that go to sea.

BarryH ;~)