Rudder Question
 

I just finished repowering my 78’ inboard. When the mechanic took it for a sea trial he made a comment on how well the boat handled - especially how well it turned vs other inboards. He then pointed out that someone had welded an additional 4” of material on the rudder. It has been like that since I have owned it so I thought that was the way it was supposed to be. Is this something that is normal to do? Have others done it and seen the same improvement? The guys that have the original rudder, do you feel the boat could turn better?

KEVMEN-

Please take a picture and post it. Some builders and skilled yards have improved inboard handling but fabricating articulating rudders

https://www.passagemaker.com/technic...rudder-trawler

https://www.google.com/search?q=arti...kUPYevcgV3OpM:

I can try to get a better pic, but this gives you the idea.

Looks extended, providing more surface area, but not articulating.

Better Pic

The tunnel hull design definitely helps direct the flow of water to the rudder and makes the steering more responsive. The fact you have a modified (to be made larger) rudder must certainly have some influence. I would think it was
modified to make for better handling at the dock but just a guess. If the inboard will make you look bad it will be at the dock for sure... LOl

Wind, tide, and inboards.
Point up.
Back in.
Mind the tide and wind.
Port forward.

What does the rudder extension cost?
2 kts?
Worth every breath.`

All true! LOL! Just ask the people that were at the dock the first time I launched!
The previous owner installed a bow thruster - that made all the negative parts of an inboard go away. Unfortunately they did not put a bilge pump next to it. The motor got wet and seized. Who designs a bow thruster that can’t get wet!