Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board

Re: Why new rudders?

Posted By: Capt Patrick McCrary
Date: Thursday, 17 February 2005, at 7:04 p.m.

In Response To: Why new rudders? (STeveZ)

Steve,

Yes, what you suggest is do-able, but...

The original rudders are bronze and can be welded, (actually brazed), with a fair degree of success. But with the wedge shaped cross section, (much thicker at the trailing edge), significant drag will be added by adding more surface to them. That equates to lost speed & higher fuel costs. The B28 is know to be very sensitive to drag.

The rudders that I produce especially for the B28 have taken this factor into account and actually reduce drag while being significantly larger in surface area. They are tuned just for the B28.

The B31 rudders on the other hand do have a longer blade, but the efficiency of the B31 hull allows for this drop without affecting speed.

No question about it, you'll spend a bit less money, but will you get the results you're looking for?

Best regards,

Patrick

Messages In This Thread

Why new rudders?
STeveZ -- Thursday, 17 February 2005, at 5:14 p.m.

Re: Why new rudders?
Capt Patrick McCrary -- Thursday, 17 February 2005, at 7:04 p.m.

Re: Why new rudders?
Mitch -- Friday, 18 February 2005, at 6:29 p.m.

Re: Why new rudders?
Ed Curry -- Friday, 18 February 2005, at 8:45 p.m.