Temporary fix to unbalanced rudder.

[phoenix12345]

Hi Everyone,

I own a snapdragon 27 and am having a number of issues with the rudder. I’m going to get it professionally rebuilt at the end of the season but am looking for a temporary way of improving it before then so the boat remains usable over the summer months.

The rudder has a bulge on the port size due to a repair undertaken by a previous owner. Under sail the helm is ok and seems balanced but under engine there is a significant force of the tiller pushing to port.

Is there anything I can attach to the rudder as a temporary improvement to this to counteract the bulge? I’m looking for a quick fix that will improve the situation that I can install when the tide is out.

 

[dunedin]

Many / most boats have a heavier helm when under motor, due to the nature of the prop wash.
Usual solution is to pop the autopilot on when putting the engine on.

 

[Daydream believer]

The rudder has a bulge on the port size due to a repair undertaken by a previous owner. Under sail the helm is ok and seems balanced but under engine there is a significant force of the tiller pushing to port.

The effect is probably nothing to do with the rudder, but prop wash. This can be exagerated by a weedy hull whereby the engine has to push harder to get the boat moving, thus putting more weight on the prop. Same thing with a dirty prop.
You may also find that the stern of the boat might be overloaded, meaning it is liable to dig in when under power. This has the same effect.
I use the tiller extension extended to the optium length, such that it presses against the cockpit side at a slight angle to the tiller. ie not a dead right angle. This takes the main weight of the prop wash. Then by moving it back & forward against the cockpit side it has the effect of moving the tiller slightly port or stbd. Takes a lot of strain off the helmsman.

 

[Tranona]

Agree, nothing to do with the "balance" of the rudder, but the biased propwash. Little you can do with that sort of rudder as it is full length skeg hung so no chance of putting any balance area forward of the pivot.

 

[johnalison]

My very different boat with a saildrive also has a pull to one side when under power, though this is only slight. It also developed a strong pull to one side in one year only when the cause was just fouling. In the OP it may be that it will improve with a clean-up but otherwise I suspect it is just something to live with.

 

[phoenix12345]

Thanks everyone - the issue has been getting worse over time to the extent it’s almost too hard to steer under power now. The bulge on the port of the rudder is getting worse and the issue has been increasing with this.

 

[Daydream believer]

Thanks everyone - the issue has been getting worse over time to the extent it’s almost too hard to steer under power now. The bulge on the port of the rudder is getting worse and the issue has been increasing with this.

Then I would deal with the matter now & not leave it until the rudder delaminates & causes serious problems.
You do not want to wait until this happens

 

[KevinV]

Then I would deal with the matter now & not leave it until the rudder delaminates & causes serious problems.
You do not want to wait until this happens
View attachment 194604

^^this^^

If the rudder is experiencing forces you can't handle then it's just a matter of time before it fails - probably not very long and it'll always be at the wrong time, very possibly causing a dangerous situation, certainly causing unnecessary costs. The rudder isn't an optional extra - get it fixed properly while it's still all there and you haven't damaged any other parts of the system. If you crack on it can be done between weekends, no reason to lose the season over it.

 

[phoenix12345]

^^this^^

If the rudder is experiencing forces you can't handle then it's just a matter of time before it fails - probably not very long and it'll always be at the wrong time, very possibly causing a dangerous situation, certainly causing unnecessary costs. The rudder isn't an optional extra - get it fixed properly while it's still all there and you haven't damaged any other parts of the system. If you crack on it can be done between weekends, no reason to lose the season over it.

I’m based in Essex - so you know anyone who would be able to help with this sort of thing in this area? One of the issues I have had is finding someone to do it!

 

[KevinV]

I’m based in Essex - so you know anyone who would be able to help with this sort of thing in this area? One of the issues I have had is finding someone to do it!

Can't help you there I'm afraid - I'm in South Wales!