T&T: Articulated rudder

[Truelove39 at aol.com]

No experience with this nifty-looking innovation, but it  looks like an 
expensive alternative to a time-honored, method of  accomplishing the same thing on 
plate rudders on commercial boats. Because  a relatively thin plate rudder 
must move several degrees before imparting  much of a turning effort, 
shipbuilders usually weld a vertical piece of  structural angle to each side of the 
trailing edge of the rudder. In plan  view, this weldment appears as a diamond 
bisected by the rudder plate. The  result makes the rudder appear to the 
quickwater as having a greater angle  than it actually has, so it is more effective 
during the first few degrees of  travel. Quicker steering effect and less wear 
and tear on the helmsman and/or  autopilot. Much less expensive and no moving 
parts!
 
Regards,
 
John
"Seahorse"
 
 
 
> Now this looks really neat!  http://www.rudderpower.com/
The aft part of the rudder swivels as well, to  give more side force. Does 
anyone have any experience with these? Twin  engine owners need not reply!  
:-)






************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at 
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour