Rudder/tiller

[pete]

I have brought a MK1 D/S and very happy but the boat came with a home made tiller and rudder, as I live in the UK spares are not available, I think. Could anyone post pictures or design of the assemberly so I could make my own.

Thanks
pete

[Phill]

Hi Pete,

For the rudder blade, the specs and a drawing can be found in the Day Sailer Association section, "handbook part 3" on this web site.

The Class rules require a pivoting rudder blade. However, if you are not going to bring the boat 'accros the pond', you could more easily build a one piece rudder blade and head out of the same piece of wood.. Hang some pintles/gudgeons to match whats on your boat. A Lot less work and engineering. Probably stronger too. I have seen many rudder heads fail. I will post a picture of a failed rudder head in the pic section of this forum. It will also show how the head was made. The Aluminum side plates were too thin. If you built this way, use at least 3/16" plate and make sure it is a hardened variety of metal. Not just plain aluminum.

Welcome to the DS family. The designer of the Day Sailer was Ulffa Fox, one of your fellow contrymen. Enjoy !!

phill


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[pete]

Thanks’ for the reply, took the boat out at weekend and was surprised buy how stable and quick it was.

I don't think I'll come across the pond, mind you has anyone tried