Rudder length

[Mike Byer]

I run a gas mono in our local club heat racing, goes pretty good with straight away speeds 57-58, I really was looking for over 60, but can't seem to find it. I knew I had a plenty long speedmaster rudder on it, and finally measured today, I've got

4 1/4" of rudder in the water, suppose 2" of rudder is worth 4-5 mph? any experience with this anyone?

Mike

 

[Mike G]

A long rudder will help hold the nose down. Too short and it won't turn good and prop torque will be more noticable. Re-entry after a bounce with a short rudder and you could see the boat torque over when the prop hits. Deep pockets? buy a second blade and cut 1/4" off at a time until it doesn't turn good any more.

 

[nitrotoys]

I think for what you loose by a long rudder, isnt worth to cut and have handling issues. You start going any faster with a short rudder, boat may start blowing over on you. and Mike was right, prop torque will be more noticeable.

Try it out, let us know how it ends up.

i would take 1/2 off at the MAX on a test blade. you want the rudder about 2-3 inchs under prop on surface drive.

Tom

 

[Mike T.]

A rudder that's too short on a mono can get you into real trouble in left turning. If the boat heels over to the left and lifts the rudder out of the water - no control.