Finally got my new rudder installed and posting pics. I cut this blade from a piece of 1.5" x 2' x 4' UHMWPE plastic using ordinary shop tools....belt sander, angle grinder, planer, etc. I'd like to think it conforms to the NACA 0012 airfoil specs, but there might be some slight variations. See Attached
Blade4.jpg (40.42 KiB) Viewed 17565 times
and pic showing the bottom bearing and stop collar. See Attached
The nicest part of this rudder is how it retracts. Using a 5/8" ACME threaded rod with some linkage to the blade, the blade can be retracted and extended from the cockpit by rotating the nut at the top of the shaft. No more ropes getting tangled or hung! Basically turned the whole thing into a Jackscrew.
Some pics and a video:
I've only had my Chrysler for a little over a year, but one thing that I've noticed is how the rudder control line can slip through the clam cleat under sail. As the rudder is pushed upward by the force of the water, the weather helm increases. It seems as though this would prevent that. Thanks for sharing!
