M_Boats: M15 Rudder

OK, I took apart my tiller/rudder assembly and swapped blades. The Ida sailor blade looks to be about 6 inches longer, but a tad narrower. The angle of attack is more round. It weighs 15 lbs. The standard rudder has the elliptical angle of attack with the flat exit as described by Jerry in his article. It weighs about 9 lbs. What a difference. The lift assembly can hold it up without difficulty. The Ida sailor blade would not stay up if the thing is out of the water. Can't wait to try it out. Should make for easier launching and retrieval, since I can put the rudder on while still on the trailer. I expect the performance will be good, with a lighter feel. We'll see. Daniel