Foiled Rudder Upgrade?

[Cats Paw]

I would like to hear some testimonials and comments about changing out a stock rudder blade for a High Performance Foiled replacement. Does the performance improve significantly? Better turning less drag? Being a plastic are they staying straight and true. Any issues with cracking or crazing. I would like input. Is it worth the capitol improvement expense?

Thanks in Advance,

Don 

RU-ACH  1980    1166

[Decatur]

I would like to hear some testimonials and comments about changing out a stock rudder blade for a High Performance Foiled replacement. Does the performance improve significantly? Better turning less drag? Being a plastic are they staying straight and true. Any issues with cracking or crazing. I would like input. Is it worth the capitol improvement expense?

Thanks in Advance,

Don 

RU-ACH  1980    1166

[Decatur]

Yes, I too would be interested in information on the foil rudder.  I've read about the performance improvement....What is the cost of the rudder and how difficult is it to install.  Best Regards  Tim Goddard.    Oh  Yes...I just want to tell everyone out there how much I enjoy reading your posts.  Wonderful, knowledgeable, smart sailors!  Love it!!!   Also a special thanks to the people who keep this site up and running, I know that it takes a lot of time and effort!     

[carry-on]

If you type "ida rudder" in the search box on our site, you will find comments. Rudder Craft is the manufacturer. I think the former name was IDA sailor. Most people like the foil and some skilled folks have made their own.  
Anyway, I installed the blade on my 16 three years ago. I like it. The helm is very light and the flow over the blade seems smoother. You can buy the blade or a full assembly including a lifting handle. I just replace the aluminum blade.
No issues with shape change or deterioration. Made a cover for the blade so it is out of the Florida sun. Probably unnecessary.

I would list the foil as #2 improvement. #1 is good sails.

[Vipersdad]

Do it for Christmas along with sails if they are old.  You won't regret it.

V.

[kickingbug1]

 i sailed my 16 for a couple of seasons with the stock blade. then i got smart and installed an Ida rudder. the difference was fantastic. no more stalling (that she was prone to do in high winds. much lighter helm. and she pointed much higher and then i got a new mainsail and that completed her transformation. my catalina came with a stock foiled rudder and i sure cant tell you why com-pacs dont.

[Gerry]

Get an Ida Rudder today.  Don't even think about it.  One of the best moves I ever made.

Gerry

[tmw]

Here's my summary of what I've seen, and it's a good chunk of change, almost enough to make me want to attempt to build my own. 

History of the foiled rudder (see CaptK post) and good feedback:
http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=1702.15

The IDA rudder is good:
http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=1035.0

If you build it yourself, one option is to glass over the existing metal rudder.  If you do so, be sure the end is tapered or you will likely get vibrations (see second post).  The first post is extensive:
http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=3106.0
http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=5072.0

[Cats Paw]

I am sold.

A lot of great info about the journey of discovery, trial and error.

RU-ACH will be sporting a Ida foiled rudder blade next season.

Thanks all

[Bob23]

    Aside from new sails, the wood foiled rudder I built has been the best upgrade to my 1985 23/2 ever. This spring before launching, I installed the factory stainless steel hold down bracket. Another interesting modification to the rudder has been to cut a small wedge out of the top of the place where it was forced to stop by the casting of the rudder head. This allows the rudder to tilt forward considerably past plumb which puts more rudder forward while in the water. This has reduced the weather helm that the 23's are famous for to almost nothing- I can literally steer with 2 fingers.
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[ChuckO]

The 'foiled' rudder is well worth the money you will have to pay for it or well worth the time you will spend on building same.  I would have built one if I had the ability to do things like that.

My "Cabin Wench" says I can do about anything .... the only problem is that after I've done it ... it looks like I DID IT.

All kidding aside.  A real difference in the boat performance wise. Handles better, tacks better and seems like it is faster.  You will not be sorry you made the change.

ChuckO'
CP16-2 Carpe Diem
Charleston, SC

[tmw]

I brought my rudder in last weekend to prepare for the foiling.  I'm thinking of doing more wood than foam to help minimize the desire to float.  Bob23, how did you finish your rudder? 

Right now my plans are to epoxy the wood parts to the flat bladed steel, and leverage a belt sander to get the final shape.  Could I fiberglass over the wood to ensure it's ready for the elements, or is there a preferred method?

[zonefour]

My rudder has developed two-one inch cracks running from the trailing edge towards the front.  Has anybody else had this problem?  Is this an emergency "fix it now" problem?

[Bob23]

TM:
  Shame on me for just seeing your question to me. My wood rudder is finished in West system epoxy. It's held up ok despite the fact I have not maintained it like I should. It's ready for a complete refiberglassing.
Bob23

[Gerry]

I installed a new Ida Rudder two years ago.  Excellent move on my part.  Turns much easier, simple installation and even looks better than original rudder.

Gerry
Wyatt C