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What do you think? This would be for performance. I'm not talking about 500 pounds here. I know the steering is fragile, but even with the dual rudders this idea makes a little sense to me. Maybe 50 pound bulbs at the bottom. You could make them removeable. I'm sure you'd have to reinforce the rudders.

I'd also like to add that I like the idea of storing chain in the keel (daggerboard). It's something you need to take with you anyway, why not put it where it will do some good?

I dont think the rudder brackets would be up for this. Certainly not the older style ones.

Also, adding righting moment so far aft would likely cause some interesting handling issues.

Leon has written quite a bit about weighted CB/DBs FYI

For what it's worth, when my original (fiberglass over wood) rudder on my Venture 222 rotted away I replaced the bottom half of the rudder with a block of solid aluminum - machined to the same shape. It's a heavy beast and takes a lot more effort on the tiller to turn. I didn't sail it much before the venture became a yard ornament so I don't have a lot more to say but it's heavy, the grudgeons and pintles on the Venture didn't seem to mind, and I don't think it did much positive for the boat.

I'm not familiar with weighted rudders for performance. What performance enhancement are you looking to accomplish?

I remember that Mad Mike stated in one of his posts that the standard rudders would not hold up in one of his trans-ocean crossings, so he had special rudders and brackets made.

Now, I AM NOT STATING THAT THE 50 LBS YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT IS EQUIVIALNT TO THE FORCES OF TRANS- OCEAN CROSSINGS, BUT, I am saying that you might be pushing the existing rudder brackets on your Mac to their limits If you are going to do this, think strongly about much more substantial brackets. Maybe Mike could give you some hints Give him a PM.

Ray

I shure wouldn't want to be the guy who has to raise them all the time...

I'd say that if you were going to add weigh to the rudders you may have to re-enforce the transom @ rudder brkt mounting area
Strengthing the rudders can be accomplished with out adding too much weight I dont think adding weight to them would accomplish much or do anything for performance !

J

Speaking of rudders, I'm surprised these survived. A friend of mine took this photo after hurricane Ike.