Com-Pac Sailors who have changed Rudders.

[Craig Weis]

Just for fun I was thinking about Rudder changes and thought, How many others have done this. skip.

[fansbro]

I changed to the ida rudder.  I had problems with it staying locked down.  It would slowly creep up, just enough to make steering difficult.  I tried changing out the bolt and handle, but it still came lose.  The ida rudder is very bouyant.  After talking to the factory the solution was to drill a hole in the rudder housing, and the upper part of the rudder so that a shear pin can be inserted.  Ida rudder sells them, they will break if you hit something, so not to damage the transom.  It works great now.  I had the hole drilled by a machine shop.  I will take pictures of it when I haul her out for the season at the end of the month.  My boat is the "Blue Heaven", and she is a 1986 19II.

[Craig Weis]

Wrong. The plastic [UHMW, or HPP??? plastic] rudder actually weighs more on land then the flat aluminum plate, however a 3~4 lb reduction in weight of the IdaSailor rudder can be had simply by placing it on the boats transom in the water. If you drop the rudder in the water it will sink. Three lb is 3 lb. The less weight in the stern the faster the boat is. Unless I hit weeds or the bottom my rudder stays down just fine. skip.

[Bob23]

Weight aside, boys, does it increase the performance of the ship? I have a 1985 23/2 and plan on treating it to a new Idarudder. Keeping it down is not a problem- a plastic pin is available from Idarudder folks.
Bob23

[Paul]

YES!  Performance increases.  Tiller feels better.  You feel much less drag upon tacking or when heeling.

I assure you, you will feel the difference.  All who have chosen the Idasailor rudder have noticed the positive difference it makes.

Paul

[Potcake boy]

I did purchase an Idasailor rudder for my CP19 before even sailing her so I have no baseline for comparison, though I do recognize the drawback of a flat rudder especially when it comes to laminar flow and rudder stalling. As I pointed out in a post on the CP19 group - I used a gallon plastic milk bottle flat side to cut two 3"- 4" diameter "shims" to go between the cheeks of the rudder stock and the aluminum head of the rudder, one on either side.  That not only eliminated the loose fit but provides a smooth action for raising or lowering the rudder. I replaced the lever with a standard fiber lock nut ans tightened it enough to hold the rudder down. It still kicks up easily when needed and can be raised with the tether. I do use the boat hook to insure that it's all the way down, and it does stay down while sailing.

[multimedia_smith]

One of the two best things you can get to improve your experience with the boat.
There should be a category in the poll that says... "really makes a difference!"
I have no trouble with it not staying down... with no pin, just crank the handle.

The other really cheap but noticeable improvement is changing out the main sheet to "BZZZ (pronounced buzz) line.  It's the best.

[mrb]

My 16 came with both rudders.  I have only used the Ida rudder and so can not say it improves performance buy use comparison.  I think I am safe in saying that the Ida is far superior in design and in form matches the rudder in all other boats I have owned.  The only boats I have had that match the flat plate shape of the original rudder were power boats.

As for rudder staying down, I just tighten handle to give a little friction. Never had it creep up.

Dale,  interestd where you bought the BZZZ line.  Also how is the lake after the alge bloom.  Friends in Mandeville were happy with fishing and crabing after lake was flushed out by Katrina.  mrb

[kaygee466@msn.com]

I just put an Ida rudder On my 19,only had one sailing session before putting up for the season.i did notice less stalling on tack,but too early to make a good judgement. I do feel that it was an excellent move on my part and based on stalling performance, I would recommend.
Regards,
kaygee

[BobK]

I changed to the Ida rudder 2 years ago on my CP23III.  There is a definate improvement - especially in 15+ winds.  I have had no problems with the rudder lifting.  I also added a plastic washer when the rudder was installed.

[patch]

 installed the Ida rudder on my 03 suncat.1st new pintel bushings are a must.improved up wind sailing.great in mooring field,do to larger turning radius.having the tiller above the transom is nice when sailing standing up,as when docking or picking your way through mooring field.does cut down on weather helm.the compac rudder is bullet proof,the Ida rudder is lighter more compact.the compac rudder installs a sense of complete confidence.it is so sturdy&strong,you never think about it breaking.the ida performance is there,but does not give you a feel of a bomb proof product.the ida rudder is still on my suncat.but i will not throw the compac rudder out.

[kickingbug1]

    i put an ida rudder plate on my 16-1 and it was the best 175 bucks i ever spent. the stock rudder used to stall until i felt i had no control and required more muscle than it should have. now the helm is light and more precise and the boat points a hell of a lot better. if you dont have one either buy an ida or make your own foil rudder

[daryl81]

I used foam and formed my own NACA 12 foil and then covered with cloth and epoxy. It is like sailing a different boat. Light helm and excellent control. I also bushed the pivots with brass pipe fittings to tighten up the pintles and gudgeons.

 

[Rick Klages]

Mine came with the Ida so I have no idea how bad it was before.

[Craig Weis]

Rick-K  Where have you been?

skip.