: Timely post. i just came up from my workshop having sketched out a pattern
: for my integrated rudder project. Do you think a longer "nub" on
: the rudder would fix the problem? i purchased metre of SS rod for use as
: shaft material so that i could build a range of rudders so any suggestions
: on shape are appreciated.
: cheers

If I had my choice I'd avoid the integrated rudder altogether...

My first inclination was to build a simple through hull skeg box like those designed at CLC. I've had great luck with that configuration on my S&G kayak and I'm pretty certain that would would work great on the 18X. I'd just use some white duct tape and tape the current rudder assembly in place. So far, I have been too chicken to cut into my nomex cored 18X and so have not yet put my money where my mouth is... Still thinking that would work best. I don't love rudders.

Back to your question: As it turns out I have experimented with three longer rudder shapes I have fabricated and taped onto the "nub". When I manage to re-sync my digital camera, I can send you the pics. In all cases the tracking improved. I have yet to go out into the chop here on Chesapeake Bay and test the wake riding improvement... I intend on entering the yearly Wye Island race and plan to use a shape that has a very rounded leading edge and almost vertical trailing edge. Thinking this would shed weeds more easily than the elliptical shapes I've tried.

It's worth noting that Freya Hoffmeister is paddling an 18X Sport around Australia currently and Epic has configured her boat with a sort of drop down rudder: http://qajaqunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/122-land-010-w.jpg.

For state of the art in over the stern rudder design, I wager Van Duse's Mohican rudder would fit the bill. Small image but you can see the shape: http://race.fit2paddle.com/C1159474119/E20061105100238/index.html

Hope this helps...

Just to be clear: I love my 18X. Just trying to address one of it's major shortcomings...

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