Thanks for the info. With these small rudders, since they are so thin, you almost have to have the shaft 15-25% back from the front tip, just for it to fit
width wise. They are also fairly swept back in general, so I suppose the amount of actual rudder volume forward of the rotation axis is fairly small.

I'll just put it as far forward as possible and see how it works. It would be interesting to see more data from this though. For instance, data showing ideal locations based on certain foil shapes and sweep angles, etc.

eric

: My rudder I use for sailing on my kayak is a large foil shape 12" wide
: and 18" under water. By moving a front portion of it 12% to 14%
: in-front of the pivot makes it very balanced and easy to turn. I use a
: side tiller coming from the rudder that I operate with just my finger tips
: instead of foot peddles that I got rid of. That forward 12% or so is what
: makes the difference for the very easy control I believe.

: John