I have the original rudder, disassembled. I have the drawing of the constellation type (angular, with more area below and less area above (aloft?).) Thanks, Bill, for posting that.
I have compared the two. I would like to reduce weather helm, therefore I am planning on adding some area to the rudder to move the center of the underbody aft (what's the term here?).
I'm planning on a shape something between the two designs. Generally keeping the upper half's shape, but adding approximately 29 square inches to the original's area, below the center drift pin. I'm rounding off the constellation's sharp lower point so as not to create too much additional area. Also, I don't want to deviate from the original construction methods. The constellation type has a much longer moment arm, and would require either longer bolts or more drift pins. I'm already increasing the width of the #2, center, plank from 5" to 6". I'm reusing all the big bolts and the shafts -new nuts, washers, 5/16" drift pins and, of course, hand-picked (quartersawn) Honduran mahogany.
See the photo of my full size pattern at:
http://www.bway.net/~bogle/boat/newrud1/newrud1.html
The dark, bold line is my plan. The white line is the constellation shape and the faint curve in pencil is the original rudder trailing edge.
Comments, suggestions and knowledge are welcome. #92's original page is still at:
http://www.bway.net/~bogle/commander.html
Regards,
David
Brooklyn, New York
Pearson Commander #92, La Saladita
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