Gudgeon Adjustment for Compatibility with Boat Transom/Stern
Sailors can adjust the distance between the upper and lower gudgeons, ensuring compatibility with various boat transoms and sterns.
The upper gudgeon moves freely along the rudder head track. Simply position it to match your boat’s specific transom or stern dimensions and secure it in place using the four supplied screws.
When installing the rudder on the boat’s transom, ensure free rotation.
The rudder head track must not rest on the transom gudgeons or any other part of the transom.
The rudder head may touch the transom with its side surface or rest on the transom with its lower part.
There are several options for fixing the tiller in the tiller housing.
The housing features an internal conical shape that holds the tiller securely. For quick installation, simply push the tiller firmly into the housing. To remove it, twist the tiller around its axis while pulling it out. This method is ideal if you need to disassemble the rudder frequently.
If you prefer to leave the tiller installed for a longer period, there are additional secure fixation options available. You can choose the one that best suits your needs
The rudder blade angle can be adjusted by changing the length of the coulisse. The length is adjusted by rotating the coulisse nut relative to the coulisse bolt. For example, turning the coulisse nut one full revolution changes the blade angle by β = 2.1° from vertical. The maximum adjustment of β = 16.8° is achieved with eight full turns of the nut.
You can easily adjust the rudder to lift at different pressure levels upon collision with underwater obstacles (such as ground, seabed, etc.) by changing the position of the silicone pusher located inside the rudder head. The rudder is supplied with the pusher set in the default middle position (see Fig. b below). The blade fixation can be increased or decreased by 25% if needed.
Important: Ensure that the set pressure for rudder lifting meets your requirements.
Middle position of the pusher – medium rudder blade fixation.
Lower position of the pusher – minimum rudder blade fixation.
The rudder blade lift function can be disabled using an additional locking feature. A locking pin can be inserted into the rudder head lock hole, securing the blade in the upper or lower position, thus completely preventing any lifting or lowering.
It is recommended to use the rudder locking feature in the following situations:
Optimized Rudder for the Optimist Class Our engineers have designed a rudder specifically for promising racers in the Optimist class. The unique construction of this rudder will help future champions achieve outstanding results faster. Advanced Manufacturing Technology The rudder is produced using advanced technology that combines high pressure with thermal shock. This method significantly increases the compression of the fiberglass laminate compared to traditional vacuum molding techniques. Key Benefits of High Compression: Layers Form a Monolithic Structure: The fibers of each layer bond seamlessly with the adjacent layer, creating a uniform material without weak points. Improved Strength, Rigidity, and Durability: The rudder demonstrates exceptional resistance to loads and wear. Enhanced Resilience: Its ability to quickly return to its original shape after stress ensures superior flexibility, especially critical when tacking in waves. Included Components The set includes a rudder and rudder fittings, ensuring full readiness for installation and use. Ideal Profile and Hydrodynamics A smooth, high-quality surface finish on the rudder reduces water resistance, increasing speed. The cross-section of the rudder is based on the NACA 0009 hydrodynamic profile, ensuring superior stability and maneuverability. Compliance with International Standards The rudder is fully compliant with the latest IODA rules, ensuring its suitability for international regattas.
