Anyone ever shorten rudders on P16?

msedc1997

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jun 17, 2011

Last visit: Jul 04, 2012

Posts: 26
Posted: Aug 10, 2011 - 04:47 AM

Have been sailing on shallow lake. Rudders kick up but too far from shore making it difficult to navigate in heavy winds. Has anyone shorted the rudders and if so how much?

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Mark

Prindle 16 and Laguna 18DS
Ripon, WI
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av8

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 18, 2011

Last visit: Aug 10, 2011

Posts: 4
Posted: Aug 10, 2011 - 07:04 AM

I shorten my right rudder recently, but not on purpose....

Edited by av8 on Aug 10, 2011 - 07:05 AM.
MN3

Rank: Master Chief

Registered: Jun 20, 2006

Last visit: May 22, 2024

Posts: 7089
Posted: Aug 10, 2011 - 07:32 AM

not a good idea typically. there are a few instances where a smaller rudder will work on a boat (i.e. nacra rudders on a mystere) but the results could be terrible (poor helm, over /under steering or power etc)
Quarath

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 06, 2008

Last visit: Jul 19, 2018

Posts: 986
Posted: Aug 10, 2011 - 04:40 PM

Pull up and lock windward rudder early. When Leeward pops up dump excess wind to keep speed manageable and putt some muscle into it ;) Remember you can steer with your sails as well. Trim in Jib and let out Main to steer to leeward and let out Jib and pull in Main to steep windward.

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Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
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catfever

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jan 19, 2010

Last visit: Oct 22, 2011

Posts: 22
Posted: Aug 20, 2011 - 06:21 PM

Mark,

DON'T shorten your rudders. I know lake levels around NA are going down, but you will regret it. Aside from poor helm and over/under steering as mentioned above, you will encounter other problem.

You know that feeling as your hulls stuff into the back of a wave heading down wind? Your rudders start to feel lighter and lighter, but at the last minute you are still able to steer and prevent a pitchpole? Well, those 6 or 8" you cut off might save your ass every time.

Think about it....

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Jay Brown
Nacra 16sq. spin and modified
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