Rudder for 26D?

[warren631]

Where can I find a rudder for a classic 26? Thanks

[warren631]

How do I search for just "new rudder" on this forum without bringing up every post with either new or rudder in it?

[K9Kampers]

Beats me! I've always wondered that myself. Just spent the last 15 minutes in advanced search doing all combinations of the words with + - * [ ]. All results net 6766 matches!

[Maraquita]

I'm sure that BWY sells the OEM style, and probably an improved style as well (most owners thought that the original rudder was to small, an not enough area in front of the pivot point).

The previous owner of my 26D installed one from Ruddercraft (they still have a web sight). It is made of HDPE instead of fiberglass and is longer and a slightly different shape than OEM. I have no way to compare it's sailing qualities to OEM, but I have been happy with it for 5 Yrs. Plenty of control, no matter how out of shape I let things get, and no excessive round up when I don't reef in time.

[K9Kampers]

Not to start a thread drift, but I just skimmed a 'phpBB forum software' forum. Lengthy discussions about exact word(s) searching. Apparently it's not a function on phpBB, afaik.

[Jimmyt]

Brace yourself... https://store.ruddercraft.com/index.php ... uct_id=113

Or

http://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/5101-1v1.htm

[warren631]

Expensive piece of plastic. Thanks guys. I'll try to epoxy my rudder back together and wrap it in a sheet of Home Depot aluminum with pop rivets along the sharp edge.

[warren631]

What would be the downside if I just used a 1/4 inch thick sheet of aluminum cut to the rudder shape? Is the airfoil shape really necessary for non-competition sailing? It would look nice and shiny, would not rot, be strong, and should be able to control the boat direction. I would include the extra 2 inches on the leading edge as recommended someplace. The original rudder was a few pieces of 2x4 wood (which rotted) enclosed in less than 1/8 inch of fiberglass skin. It cracked across just where the rope holes were drilled (without any reinforcing around these holes).

[warren631]

I think I will use a 1/2 inch sheet of HDPE white plastic for about $75. Easy to cut and drill and strong. Any comments?

[Jimmyt]

Either the aluminum or the HDPE can be used for a rudder. 1/4" aluminum may be strong enough. I'm not sure about 1/2" HDPE. May flex too much. But you may be able to put two layers together if one isn't stiff enough.

I'll be interested to see how it works out.

I had a small sailboat (similar to sunfish) with an aluminum rudder blade.

[warren631]

The HDPE sheet comes in 24x48 so it should be just right size to cut two 1/2 inch layers for the 12x48 rudder. I'll try epoxy to glue the two halves together before final shaping. Thanks Jimmy.

[Jimmyt]

You may already know this, but HDPE isn't easy to glue. There are ways to do it, but it's quirky. I might put a few stainless screws in for good measure in addition to whatever adhesive you use.



Just one approach. I've never used this stuff, but have seen epoxy let go of HDPE. It was not prepared as this video shows, though.

Good luck and please post pics.

[AndyVS]

Hi Warren,

I have a spare 26C rudder. I've sent you an email. LMK if you are interested.

Andy

[chadwiseman]

Do you still have the spare rudder ?

[Stickinthemud57]

I have a spare 26C rudder. 26S, but those terms are interchangeable. PM me and let me know where you would like it shipped.