Hi Howard, How about adding a trim tab to the trailing edge of the rudder, and play airplane........... That is how airplanes balance things out, with trim tabs on the elevators.
I can't give you a trim tab size as a starting point, but I would personally start with a piece of aluminum fastened to the aft end of the rudder and extending about 1 inch behind the rudder. Length of trim tab to be effective? That's something you'd have to play with. Longer trim tab means less bending of trailing edge to achieve balance: shorter trim tab means it has to generate more power, i.e., it would require more of a bend. I would try something about 12" long with about a 5 degree bend as a starting point. By bending the trim tab - more or less - you can achieve the helm "feel" that you like. If my memory serves me correctly, the Pardeys used a trim tab like this, as have other sailors with weather helm problems. Basically, the trim tab will generate a force that takes some of the load off the rudder. Think of it as another rudder to steer the main rudder. The same principle is used for self steering wind vane rigs where the wind vane input goes to an auxiliary rudder that is fastened to the aft edge of the main rudder. The steering rudder than applies force to the main rudder to correct the course. We owners of Montgomerys, with transom hung rudders have it easy in that regard........ It is easy to play, and change. Connie _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
