RudderCraft is a maker of aftermarket rudders. HDPE is plastic (like fake wood decking boards, park beaches and cutting boards). It is non-structural and will warp. Many RudderCraft HDPE rudders have snapped under load. RudderCraft now has a fiberglass rudder that shouldn't warp and if correctly engineered not snap. As expected costs more than the HDPE model. A RudderCraft rudder is a complete replacement of the M15's stock rudder assembly. Uses lines to control the kickup - which I personally dislike. MUCH prefer the kickup design in the M15 and Sage 17/SC/15. :: Dave Scobie :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com :: former owner M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: former owner M15 #288 SCRED - m15namedscred.wordpress.com <<-- new site! On Mon, Jul 26, 2021, 4:53 PM Jim Sadler <jimsadler@jascopacific.com> wrote:
Thanks Dave
What is a rudder craft HDPE rudder? BTW Pelican is berthed in Oceanside Marina ...no cold rain or snow. The real issue is that every time I want to go sailing I don’t want to have to mount and dismount the rudder to stow in the cabin. Gotten real lazy in my old age
Capt. Jim
-----Original Message----- From: Dave Scobie <scoobscobie@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, July 26, 2021 3:19 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: M_Boats: Re: M15 folding rudder
Jim.
The mahogany rudder should be out of the water when kicked up. With three or more coats of varnish applied each winter, something to do boat related during the cold rain& snow season, the finish should be fine (I've never had issues).
Or is your issue that the rudder isn't raised 180deg up?
A RudderCraft HDPE rudder WILL warp if stored in any position but laying flat or when on the transom fully down.
:: Dave Scobie :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com :: former owner M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: former owner M15 #288 SCRED - m15namedscred.wordpress.com <<-- new site!
On Mon, Jul 26, 2021, 1:45 PM Jim Sadler <jimsadler@jascopacific.com> wrote:
Thanks Skipper
If I could just replace the mahogany rubber with a fiberglass version that could stay out side. Ideally the physical size and weight would be the same and the performance would be the same.
Capt Jim