Gudgeons/transom connection

[John Stevens]

I just bought a DS1 Spindrift yesterday. There is a small block of wood between the gudgeon and the transom. Is that a factory setup? The wood is old and I'm going to reseal and replace the wood unless it's not a typical setup, thus I'll leave out the wood.

TIA,

John

[algonquin]

I don’t believe that the wood spacer on the exterior of the hull is correct. Usually there will be a backing plate on the inside of the hull. I would remove it and check for any potential damage that may be there and address that issue. Sounds like someone attempted to strengthen the mounting surface. Brad

[Bob Hunkins]

The wood may be there to bring the distance from the transom to the rudder pivot to the maximum allowed distance of 9". (See Figure 6.4 in the handbook)

It's probably not necessary to remove it, and replacing the wood if it's rotten is a preferable.

The current setup might also allow for a wider allowable rudder angle. consider that before deciding to remove this wood.

good luck,

[John Stevens]

Bob,

I don't have a handbook, do you have a picture of that Fig. 6.4?

What advantage is there to having the rudder further back?

TIA,


John

[Bob Hunkins]

There's a copy on this website. Go to The "Day Sailer Association" link at the top of the page and select "Handbook". Then select "Part 3: Specifications and Measurements" and find Figure 4.6.

I think the reason for this is to increase the moment arm of the rudder force to turn the boat. It's added leverage, which means less force for the helmsman to assert on the tiller. If anyone else knows the reason, I'd like to hear it.

[John Stevens]

Bob,

Thanks for the link. It must be an advantage if you're only allowed "so" many inches.

Thanks,

John

[algonquin]

Could be that the water is just slightly less turbulent as you move back away from the hull.