Rudder Mod

A forum for discussing topics relating to older MacGregor/Venture sailboats.
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fritz3000g
Chief Steward
Posts: 70
Joined: Tue Jul 25, 2017 11:18 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 25

Rudder Mod

Post by fritz3000g »

Here are some photos of my rudder mod. Went for a NACA 12 shape. The last photo shows how I'm reinforcing it with biaxial cloth on the weakest point (where the wide part connects to the narrow part). Highly recommend hooking a shop vac up to your sander :)

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Last edited by fritz3000g on Fri Jul 19, 2019 6:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
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kurz
Admiral
Posts: 1165
Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:07 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Zürich, Switzerland, Europe

Re: Rudder Mod

Post by kurz »

I cannot see any phote! :cry:
fritz3000g
Chief Steward
Posts: 70
Joined: Tue Jul 25, 2017 11:18 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 25

Re: Rudder Mod

Post by fritz3000g »

Thanks kurz. I think it should work now.
fritz3000g
Chief Steward
Posts: 70
Joined: Tue Jul 25, 2017 11:18 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 25

Re: Rudder Mod

Post by fritz3000g »

Just to post an update about two experiences with this rudder design.

First, prior to reinforcing the top with the biaxial cloth I went sailing. When turning sharply on a run the bottom half of the rudder broke off entirely.

I repaired it by drilling 7/8" holes deeply into the remaining portion of the top, and into the broken off portion, and ran two 1/2" galvanized steel pipes to connect both halves. Then added in two layers of biaxial cloth to both sides.

This past weekend we ran around in waves very hard. The rudder nearly broke off the metal pieces that connect it to the hull - they bent badly. However neither the hull or the rudder were damaged at all. So it's strong!
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