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Attachment 10368
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Course Correction
I decided to make a new rudder. The old rudder was perfectly fine however, the aperture was too small for the feathering prop I wanted to install. Also, I felt too much correction with the rudder was necessary in moderate to heavy air. I hate to mess with the original Alberg design. It is elegant and compliments the lines of the boat perfectly. However, I suspect my boat may have been delivered with a taller than standard rig. (Perhaps it was a Great Lakes – light air modification.) My P measurement is 1′ longer than than standard. Seat of the pants engineering led me to decide I needed to add 15% additional surface area on the trailing edge to help with the increased main sail area.
Initially I planned to open up the aperture and scarf some wood to the trailing edge but this stared to look too hacked together.
https://bisquitreborn.files.wordpres...y-1.jpg?w=1024
Abandoned Modification
Back to the drawing board. remove the original bronze shafts and build a new rudder. Luckily I happened across a 6/4 x 24″ mahogany board that would allow a one piece replacement. It is a testament to the quality of the bronze that Pearson used that, after almost 60 years, when I removed the nut access windows, the bronze tie rods unscrewed like they were assembles yesterday. Once removed, I used an induction heater to heat up the upper shaft and bend it back 30 degrees to allow for the larger aperture.
Next step is to make a template for the new rudder. I installed the new prop then made a Masonite blank and experimented with shapes that cleared the new prop, had the additional surface area, and looked like they belonged to this classic design.
https://bisquitreborn.files.wordpres...419-copy-1.jpg
Once I decided on a shape I cut the plank to the new shape, ran the leading edge through a router with a 1″ rounding bit to accept the upper and lower shafts, drilled holes for the tie rods, then using a 1 1/2″ hole saw made windows for the new nuts.
https://bisquitreborn.files.wordpres...412_181048.jpg
New rudder faired with nut windows filled.
Next step is to install, coat with epoxy barrier coat and bottom paint.
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On the boat
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Barrier Coated with IP 2000 E
https://bisquitreborn.files.wordpres...419_142029.jpg
Bottom Painted and ready to go
If your old rudder is perfectly fine, as you mentioned, would you be interested in selling it to me?? Lucky Dawg is in need!
Kyle
Very nice work, it does indeed look as if it could be OEM Alberg/Pearson. :)
New rudder a gorgeous rendition. Totally impressed with your metal skills.
Did not miss your marvelous cast gudgeon. Love your moody photos too.
Here's to a 'Quiet reach' with your new rudder's tiller under your arm...
Kyle,
Sorry I didn't reply sooner. Got really busy. I reused the metal from the old rudder so there's nothing left.
Thanks. I managed to go for a sail in heavy air a couple of weeks ago. The new rudder is definitely an improvement in terms of balance.
Hey Phil,
Your work (and your blogging) is getting some love in the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=...37892126570091
Hope you and GG are well
Kyle