The standard Picarooner rudder extends about 4" below the keel and it is necessary to ship it if the boat is going to take the ground or dry out.
Not wanting to saw off 4 or 5inches from my original rudder I thought I would make a modified rudder that is shallower in depth and compensate for the loss in wetted area with a slight increase in length. As I chose not to glass the entire rudder it is now lighter too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CQJozpFJmk
A brief report on the Picarooner Modified Rudder.
After launching CRINKER at Penmarlam Quay yesterday, I put a dab of grease on the pintles and found the rudder much lighter to lift and fit over the stern. She went on much easier than the original as I think the pintles and gudgeons were better alligned. (for better or worse? see why later)
The turning circle under power was much better and going astern was fine. Motoring down the River Fowey the tiller seemed a little lighter, perhaps there is more leverage.
After leaving the Fowey River and heading out to sea there was a good WNW blowing, so it was perfect to try the rudder under sail. All went well. Tried all points of sail and let her self steer no problems. Chased a few old Luggers and gaffers that were heading out of Looe after their Bi-annual Lugger regatta (See short video below)
Being close hauled and flying along I thought I would just see how tight the rudder fitted and leaned over to give it a gentle pull up, whoops! the rudder came up immediately and popped off the gudgeons. Rudder in hand I eased the Main and backed the Jib to heave too. This allowed me a chance to hang over the stern and pop her back on. Stuck a bit of Monel wire throught the Pintle hole for safety and off we went again.
Conclusion.........very happy with the Modified Rudder and found it more relaxing coming in to my moorings knowing we are not going to pick up a line and not worrying about grounding. From now on as a precaution I will be using an R clip through the top pintle.
Short Video here http://youtu.be/yxVT2mzRuSM
Hope this if of help to other Picarooner owners.
Have a great sailing season.
Tony
Picarooner CRINKER CP55
More modifications and maintenance jobs on CRINKERS website here http://www.polperro.co.uk/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/picarooner_modifications.htm
Ok Tim
Its a bit tricky putting a photo in here so here is an attempt to provide a quick tutorial....
1. Type your message as normal
2. click on file attachments below
3. browse for the picture file you would like to post.
The maximum upload size is 1 MB. Only files with the following extensions may be uploaded: jpg jpeg gif png txt doc xls pdf ppt pps odt ods od
4. click on ATTACH and let it upload.
5. Then put a tick in the box marked LIST
6. Then go down and click SAVE
Cheers Tony
Picarooner CRINKER CP55
Thanks Tim & Carolyn
Thats good news I was wondering what to do if it did not work effeciently. I am a couple of weeks away from sea trials.
Picaroo is a lovely looking boat if you have a chance this summer perhaps you could take a picture of your rudder.
Have a good sailing season
Tony
Picarooner CRINKER CP55
Hi Tony your new rudder now has a similar profile to that fitted to Picaroo our Picarooner. Our rudder does not extend below the keel; however it is hollow and has an extending drop down section (like a centeboard) like the Shrimper and Crabber 17.
I do not think you will have any handling problems because we often forget to lower the movable section, this hardly has any discernable effect, in fact the drop down section was used so little last year that it eventually got jammed with silt and we didn't feel it essential to fix it until we lifted out at the end of the season
Thanks Geoff
Will post results on handling and performance when I have a chance to put to sea.
Here is a before and after picture in the meantime.
all the best
Tony
Picarooner CRINKER CP55
More modifications and maintenance jobs on CRINKERS website here http://www.polperro.co.uk/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/picarooner_modifications.htm
Tony,
Further to the reply post of the video, would like to reiterate what a good video it is on G.A.L.A site.
Also I would think that the added length will make a small difference to handling, i.e more grip on turning, but as i've asked on the video reply, maybe you can inform us,after a bit of use.
Anyway really liked the video and am thinking of trying it on Badger as a younger member of the crew (no names....etc,etc) did damage to the gudgeons whilst coming ashore last summer!
Good luck with the new rudder.
Geoff B-S
Posted on 01 Aug 2011 - 10:10am
Another voyage from Polperro to the beautiful River Yealm in Devon.
CRINKER sits in the mud with the modified rudder. This photo was just below the voss at Noss Mayo with Newton Ferrers in the background.
Well worth a visit.
Picture is in my web photo album here http://www.polperro.co.uk/Crinkerswebphotoalbum/sittinginthemudwithnewrudder.html
Tony
Picarooner CRINKER CP55