Help; need input on rudder shape! CD28

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

Moderator: Jim Walsh

Post Reply
Mike Quinlan

Help; need input on rudder shape! CD28

Post by Mike Quinlan »

My 82 Cape dory 28 sloop has had the rudder reworked at some time in the past. The lower fitting seems to have been replaced and the rudder has been refiberglassed. The problem is that the shape of the rudder has been altered and it is thicker at the aft end than at the front. The sides are flat and I think it should be a foil shape,ie with a thick section about a third of the way back and then tapering to a thin section aft.
It may be a small thing but it bugs me and I have the time to do something about it
The question is; has anyone noticed this about their 28? could this be a design change done to stop weather helm?
I am open to experiment but once this is done it's done.
Mike.



mikieq@erols.com
Chris Holme

Re: Help; need input on rudder shape! CD28

Post by Chris Holme »

Mike, The rudder of my 28 is thankfully underwater at present! I can't say that it's never been modified but it appears original to my eye. and my recollection is that the rudder is the foil shape you refer to but is flat for about 2/3 of the way back and tapers over the aft 1/3. Hope this helps.

Good luck, Chris
s/v Feather, CD28 #87

Mike Quinlan wrote: My 82 Cape dory 28 sloop has had the rudder reworked at some time in the past. The lower fitting seems to have been replaced and the rudder has been refiberglassed. The problem is that the shape of the rudder has been altered and it is thicker at the aft end than at the front. The sides are flat and I think it should be a foil shape,ie with a thick section about a third of the way back and then tapering to a thin section aft.
It may be a small thing but it bugs me and I have the time to do something about it
The question is; has anyone noticed this about their 28? could this be a design change done to stop weather helm?
I am open to experiment but once this is done it's done.
Mike.


chris@annapolis.net
Post Reply