Sail my M17 in the Caloosahatchee between Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida -- lots of submergered boulders left over after channels were blasted. Older rudder was real trouble here. Running it aground on sand was OK, but running into a boulder at full speed has a way of doing real structural damage to the transom. Bought an aftermarket rudder from Ida Sailor. It kicks up, but the leading edge does not extend forward under the transom. The thing works great. I always figured that true rudder "balance" was a product of sail trim, not rudder design. Steering with a rudder involves dragging the rudder throught the water sideways, regardless of rudder design and the nature of the feeddback transmitted to the tiller. When the rudder feels "draggy," it is giving me valuable feedback that tells me something is wrong with my sail trim. When I fix the sail trim, I am dealing with the source of the problem, not the symptom. The boat sails faster and sweeter. Jerry, if you are out there reading this, thank you again for my wonderful M17 #259. I have had her for ten years now -- sailed her in Door County Wisconsin for seven years and am now sailing her in FL. You and Lyle did it right.
Larry E Yake <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: This question is for Jerry or anyone who has experience with both the old style M17 rudder with the "stepped forward" leading edge below the hull, and the newer style "straight edge" raiseable rudder. I have the older style and am in the process of refinishing and resealing it. The seam between the main body of the rudder and the attached leading edge portion (with 3 - 1/2" wood dowels) had opened and was allowing moisture into the wood. In order to reseal it, I have removed it to clean the surfaces. I am wondering if this would be a good time to convert it to the raiseable "straight edge" type. It has been an inconvenience a few times not being able to raise the rudder, but it is my understanding that the "stepped forward" rudder was the original Lyle Hess design to better balance the helm. It certain is well balanced. My question is how much balance would I lose going to the newer design? Thanks, Larry Yake M17, #200 Tullamore _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term' _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
