Dotan Company produces kick-up rudder systems since 1998

About Us

About Us

"DME" Ltd (Dotan Maritime Enterprise Ltd) - The Company specializes in researching and developing new products. The engineers of the company are in constant search for unique technologies and innovative solutions. The result of this "techno-technological" mix was the creation of a patented kick-up rudder system with the use of several know-how technologies.

2019 - Marine engineers of the company have developed a set of a daggerboard and a rudder for a promising racer in the Optimist class. The special design of the dagger will help the future champion achieve a better result faster.

2017 - A new version of the rudder blade for the Optimist class from the lightweight Okoume plywood has been released to the market. Only in the first month, 100 rudders for the Optimist boat were sold to Israel and New Zealand.

2016 - 2019 - Leading of a technological innovation program Eurostars-2 project E!9349 OptiSWT „A direct drive SWT with aerodynamic pitch control of wind rotor blades and yaw oscillation damper”

2012 - Now the Dotan kick-up rudder systems are used in more than 50 countries of the World.

2009 - The "Award for Export and Innovation" from the Ministry of Economics of Latvia was awarded to the best company. This award is especially valuable for us, as it was received during the crisis.

2003 - We believe this is a very important article: "Attention Optimist Sailors"

2002 - Winner METS 2002 in the category Deck equipment, for the product kick-up rudder system.

1998 - The beginning of mass production of rudders in 12 basic versions.

1997 - The design of a rudder box made of reinforced polyamide of increased strength has been developed.

1997 - The company Dotan has developed a new technology for manufacturing a rudder blade, based on the simultaneous action of high pressure with a thermal shock. This is know-how technology.

1997 - Registration of the company DME Ltd., which specializes in the development and production of the kick-up rudder systems.

1996 - Made the first version of the rudder with an aluminum rudder box.

1995 - Received a patent for the kick-up rudder system. US Patent # 5,447,113. Rudder, Foreign patent documents: 2372078 7/1978 France; 2398662 3/1979 France; 1544345 4/1979 United Kingdom

1989 - The engineers developed a new concept of kick-up rudder system for catamarans, sailboats and dinghy.

Vorteile des Dotan-Ruders

Instant Rudder Control
The Dotan kick-up system allows the blade to be raised or lowered in seconds with a single movement. Essential for smooth departures and returns, even in challenging conditions.

Durable Housing
Made from corrosion-resistant composite materials, the rudder housing ensures reliability and stability, even in extreme situations.

Lightweight and Strong Blade
Combining advanced thermal shock technology and high pressure, the blade offers reduced weight and excellent durability. A hydrodynamic profile ensures smooth sailing.

Universal Adjustment
Easily adaptable to various boats and catamarans, the rudder’s simple installation makes it suitable for users of all experience levels.

Obstacle Protection
The blade automatically kicks up upon collision with obstacles like rocks or logs, preventing damage. It returns to position in seconds, maintaining control and stability.

Why Choose Kick-Up Rudders from Dotan?

Learn more about the Dotan rudder mechanism

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