[ Single Image From Portfolio 2014 ]

[ Photos from users for the year 2014 ]

wolfish
stilleto 27
 0  

semi-balanced rudder

This shows the rudder blade down in its new position. The leading edge is parallel to the pintle's axis and 1 inch ahead. The new and old blade pivot bolt positions are visible on the cheek plate. The amount of balance(about 6.8 % of total surface area)is minimal. However, the change of position is considerable from original. These Stiletto rudders were changed after extensive modifications to the boat resulted in unacceptable weather helm conditions during high wind close reaching. Now I steer the boat with one hand again even in high winds. I do not recommend this exact rudder change for stock boats. Knowing what I do now though, I would consider a fractional, or incremental rudder mod in this direction for a stock Stiletto with hard weather helm on which easier steering was desired. You can always go back to the old holes to reverse the change. The tips of my rudder blades are now about 6" forward of their original position.

semi-balanced rudder