Rudder Position For DF29"

[ksm2001]

Hi all just mounted my hardware on the back of by DF29 but was wondering what the optimum position is for the rudder. The pic is with the SpeedMaster strut and rudder but was thinking if the rudder should be extend back more by adding an aluminum bracket or does it matter. I'll be running ovals.

Thanks
Ken

[tth]

Many people run the leading edge of the rudder in line with the drive dog. I say run it as is and if you don't like the way it handles then do some adjusting. Another suggestion will be to trim the stinger about 3/4" but it is easier to extend the rudder.

[RayR]

But the boat will run better with the prop closer to the transom.

All the best,

Ray

[ksm2001]

I see there are basically three setups for rudder position, this setup with the rudder trailing edge inline with the end of the strut, then there are setups where the rudder is as tth mentioned with the rudder beside the prop and then another with the rudder leading edge behind the prop so was wondering what the difference was.

Thanks for the replies
Ken

[Jeff Wohlt]

Usually for good turning you want the LE of the rudder behind the LE of the prop. What happens is as you turn you interupt the water flow to the prop and can then get prop blow out.

Props farther behind the transom give you a little more forgiveness in rough water...the prop stays in the water more. You also realize more adjustment from little adjusting on the trim angle...a little does more is what I mean.

[Punisher 67]

But the boat will run better with the prop closer to the transom.

All the best,

Ray

Ray no disrespect but I also heard a prominent German boater once say that there is a ratio and also a minimum distance the prop has to be to the transom for any given length of boat for optimum performance..........

Great topic Ken I have been kind of curious on this one myself , I can build with the best of them but setup is definitely a soft spot for me still......

Peter.............................

[Flying Scotsman]

This is a great thread. All SpeedMaster systems have the prop behind the the LE of the rudder or more correctly with SpeedMaster the trailing edge of the rudder???

Douggie

[Jesse J]

When setting up my Titan 29, I was advised the speedmaster set up as well, from madmikepags (gotta give credit where due!):
"prop at a perfect distance from the transom 3-1/2 to 4". your rudder should be offset 1-5/8" to the right of the center of the boat, and should not extend past the leading edge of the prop."

I have a super stable boat in rough water (2-4" chop) and have not experienced any blow out, even at 40+ mph and sharp turns. Need to run this boat more, but so far extremely good set up.

rough water (4S, 42mm prop):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adJMZBdrB9U

smooth water - too small of an area, though (6S):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEqVrOJwvE0

[Flying Scotsman]

Darin, Jeff, Jay. Doug, Casey, Grim. Steven, Gerwin, Brian, etc.
What do you think as to this interesting question as far as rudder position goes. No, I think this works, just dynamics or results and why? Excluding right or left position of the rudder. Is directly behind and in line with the prop best for all scenarios?

Douggie

[tth]

Good one Douggie I would like to hear from the afore mentioned also.

[Doug Smock]

Jesse,
You (and Mike) are dead right on the Titan.
The DF in my experience runs better with the stinger cut back one inch. The difference being that the Titan has a deeper vee than the DF. The DF gets too much lift from the longer stinger.
My .02
Doug

[Jesse J]

would this also go for the DF26?

[Jeff Wohlt]

I guess with a deep v it may be different. My MM also has speedmaster and the rudder is close to the LE of the prop LE. Maybe even in front of it...turns on a dime.

Maybe with a Deep V the lean of the hull in a corner makes the difference. But using trim tabs and all that keeps the boat from too much roll. I don't run tabs on any of my hulls. I try to tune without them but the Deep Vs seems to need them.

[Doug Smock]

Jesse,
You (and Mike) are dead right on the Titan.
The DF in my experience runs better with the stinger cut back one inch. The difference being that the Titan has a deeper vee than the DF. The DF gets too much lift from the longer stinger.
My .02
Doug

I should have added that on my Titan 29, I extended the rudder bracket 1.75" to get the leading edge of the rudder even with the drive dog. (leading edge of the prop)

[ksm2001]

Thanks all for your suggestions, here is what I did for now, I lengthened the rudder so the leading edge lines up with the end of the srtut. I can change this back to original setup by removing the plates. I know that looking at build pics of the DF33 there seems to be no set position for the rudder so thats what got me thinking which is best.

Jesse cool video, is that ice on the lake?....Titan29 ice breaker