I have watched all the available videos from Rare Bird and Blind Date and I have a few questions on the rudders (Rob's version, not the replacements that didn't work out).
Can the rudder blades be lifted for shallow water sailing?
I believe they kick up. Am I correct?
Other than the excessive amount of spray, these seem to be a very solid and reasonable way to install the rudders on a HarryProa. However, since Rob has been trying alternatives, and Blind Date replaced them completely for a while, there must be some problems with them. Can I get an explanation of why these rudders aren't a good idea? Most of the alternatives seem to lose the support down near the waterline, which would reduce the spray issue, but require stronger, heavier and more expensive rudders.
My leading alternative right now is the asymettrical rudders that Todd has been using, but they also have a support near the waterline, so if the Rare Bird style of rudder works, it seems like less risk.
Related to this, there was a comment about it being possible to reduce the spray from the rudders by sharpening something... I wasn't clear on what. Might it be possible to reduce spray significantly? I am not seeing how to do that. Related to that, have either boat ever run in heavy seas? Doesn't the rudder mount get submerged? Is that a problem?
My criteria are the ability to lift for shallow water and drop for deep water. Ideally, it would be easy enough to lift that I could just pull the forward rudder up and reduce the spray when on a steady course. I also want kick up protection and wheel steering.
Thanks,
- Gardner
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