Rudder dimensions

[tessmar]

I cannot put the rudder which came with my V21 on until the boat is in the water. This is pretty clumsy to do, and trying to leverage it up to remove it is even worse. I have seen other posts on the forum indicating that at least some other owners also have rudder/trailer combinations with the same characteristic.

I don't know if this rudder is original or if this length is critical. It definitely is the determining factor in the draft of the boat with the keel retracted...sticks down almost a foot below that. The rudder is heavy but is definitely an airfoil, and is wider below the waterline than above it.

One obvious convenience answer is a kickup type like the one from Ruddercraft...but before considering that magnitude expense I wanted to ask if there are any other options...a shorter rudder for less money which will not negatively detract from the boat's handling.

Any help would be appreciated.

[TIMBOAT2]

57 inches over all length and 30 inches from the bottom to the lower pintel on my 1976 mac v 21.

[tessmar]

57 inches over all length and 30 inches from the bottom to the lower pintel on my 1976 mac v 21.

Thanks
While it is not a huge distance mine is at least 33 inches from the bnottom pintle to the bottom of the rudder. I'd have to hook the trailer up to the truck to be sure, but this could well be the difference between not being ablt to put the rudder on before putting the boat in the water and being able to do so

[TIMBOAT2]

I guess if push comes to shove, you could trim it. How is the finish on it? If it is poor and you were going to re do it anyway that might be the best route. How wide and thick?

[tessmar]

I guess if push comes to shove, you could trim it. How is the finish on it? If it is poor and you were going to re do it anyway that might be the best route. How wide and thick?

I won't be back home for a couple of weeks and will try to take some measurements then. It is not "cosmetically pretty" by any means. Also weighs quite a bit. It clearly has an airfoil cross section, and I'm just not sure that it isn't as big and clunky as it is for something relating to performance.


So when I get back home I'll hook the trailer up and see if I can mount the rudder without it dragging the ground. Assuming the answer is negative I'll join a photo site and take a snap of it so I can post it and see what you think.

Thanks

[TIMBOAT2]

Okay, by the way mine is 11 inches wide at the bottom pintel and 1.300 thick at the tiller mount.

[tessmar]

Thanks for the info. I'll be back in touch when this trip is done in a couple of weeks