Rudder pulls to one side

[MASH]

Since a repair to the rudder it has pulled getly but firmly to one side. This is clearly due to an assymetric profile following the repair.

Point is, how to regain a neutral tiller?

A small s steel trim tab screwed to the trailing edge of the rudder would no doubt do it - but how big does it need to be? Assume the rudder is 40in long? Would a tab 6 in long projecting by x 1 in do it?

Or would the old aviation based technique of laying a few inches of parachute cord (3-4mm line) under a layer of cloth along the TE work?

Any ideas appreciated.

 

[sarabande]

what about sticking on a few micro-granules in epoxy to build up symmetry ?

 

[jonjo]

[ QUOTE ]
A small s steel trim tab screwed to the trailing edge of the rudder would no doubt do it

[/ QUOTE ]
It would work until the tab bent as you got tossed around in some overfalls, then you would have a severe rudder pull. I speak from experience here, many moons ago I purchased a yacht with a trailing tab on the rudder, it bent in the Barfleur over falls.

As Sara says, sort out the asymmetry.

Or could the stock be bent? Has the rudder stock tube been re-anchored off centre?

 

[mikehibb]

I was going to say the same about the the stock being centred properly, I would look at that first.

 

[Csail]

I had this on last boat and simply made a trim tab.

 

[retsina]

As you suggesting, a small trim tab made of stainless steel will do it. The trim may need to be 10 in with only half an inch projecting out; you can then play around until is balanced. However, what is the root of your problem? is it something more serious such as shaft alignment?

 

[Burnham_Bob]

knowing nothing but sticking in some observations, wouldn't sorting out the asymmetry be best as a trim tab would simply be doubling the drag in the other direction........there must be some unwanted drag on one side that could be got rid of