: Anyone have literature or experience on the ideal location for the rotation
: axis of a rudder? I often see overstern type rudders with the rotation far
: in front of the rudder. I am making an understern racing style foil shaped
: rudder and was interested to know if the shaft should enter as far forward
: as it can fit, as I sometimes see rudders like this that have the shaft
: further toward the center of the rudder. (My K1 racing boat rudder has the
: shaft delicately attached near the leading edge of the rudder).

: any 'rules' on this?

Pretty much what John said. There is a fair amount of linkage between us and the rudder, having it self center is a good thing. So having the rudder shaft very near the front of the blade would make sense. With other boat's larger rudders the rudder shaft is often somewhat behind the leading edge so that the rudder ahead of the shaft counteracts some of the force required to move that large rudder. Since our rudders are tiny, this doesn't apply.

Bill H.