[Rhodes22-list] Rudder angle, tacking, and racing

[Robert Skinner]

I agree with keeping the boat in trim as an efficient way of 
doing things, as I noted in the original message.  However, 
based on experience with rudder angle up to this point in 
using it to scull, etc., I think the subject needs more 
experimental input than theoretical discussion.

I would also note that it is difficult if not impossible to 
keep a boat in perfect trim under varying conditions.

I await the results of real world testing.

/Robert

Richard Smith wrote:
> 
> >From a hydrodynamic standpoint all that raking the rudder blade aft would
> accomplish is to increase the apparent chord of the blade (assuming that the
> water flow is more or less parallel with the water surface. ) This would
> increase the Reynolds # (good) but lower the camber to chord ratio (not good
> for slow speeds).
> 
> In my opinion it is much more important to trim your boat for a natural
> helm.  This will avoid the drag caused by continually correcting weather or
> lee helm.
> 
> Richard Smith
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Skinner" <robert at squirrelhaven.com>
> To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:47 PM
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Rudder angle, tacking, and racing
> 
> > When you angle the rudder aft, it has the effect
> > of changing the foil shape to one more efficient
> > for slower speeds.  This reduces the stall speed
> > of the rudder just as a flap does on an airplane
> > wing.
> >
> > So, to check this theory while racing, lift the
> > rudder when tacking, but lower it when running
> > free or in strong wind.
> >
> > When on a beam reach, having the rudder aligned
> > with the axis of the gudgeons will reduce tiller
> > effort if the sails are not balanced, or if you
> > get a great gust with a weather helm.
> >
> > Betcha you will go faster.  Let me know - I'm
> > out of the water 'til spring.
> >
> > /Robert
> > --------------------------------------------------
> > Leland wrote:
> > >
> > > Jb,
> > >
> > > First of all, great pictures.  Your boat is beautiful and your pictures
> of
> > > the regatta reminded me that Annapolis isn't the only place to see a
> bunch
> > > of sailboats.  Catch that fish off of your Rhodes?
> > >
> > > I never thought about lifting the rudder to reduce drag on a tack.
> Although
> > > it makes sense, I probably won't do it just out of pure laziness.  Is
> this a
> > > common technique with the racing crowd?
> > >
> > > Lee
> > > 1986 Rhodes22  At Ease
> > > Crab Alley (Kent Island, MD)
> > >
> > > Just bent wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I did that on purpose so when I throw the tiller over to tack, it
> doesn't
> > > > put on the brakes as much, but still turns.
> > > > Jb
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Rob Lowe wrote:
> > > >>
> > > >> Just bent,
> > > >> Just finished looking at your photos (thanks).  Noticed the position
> of
> > > >> your
> > > >> rudder.  It appears not to be down all the way.   Is there some sort
> or a
> > > >> "down haul" that pulls the rudder down into a vertical position?  Try
> it
> > > >> and
> > > >> see if your maneuvering improves. - rob
> > > >>
> > > >> Rob Lowe
> > > >> S/V Getaway
> > > >>
> > > >> ----- Original Message -----
> > > >> From: "Just bent" <j.bulfer at jbtek.com>
> > > >> To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> > > >> Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 11:39 PM
> > > >> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] new boat position
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>>
> > > >>> I moved my boat about 12" forward on the trailer. It towed much
> better.
> > > >> I'll
> > > >>> check the weight tomorrow.
> > > >>> Lots of sailors out today. New pics on the ftp site.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> ftp://ftp.jbtek.com/pub/
> > > >>>
> > > >>> Jbulfer
> > > >>> "Just bent"
> > > >>> http://www.nabble.com/file/p13688442/DSC00958.jpeg
> > > >>> http://www.nabble.com/file/p13688442/DSC00928.jpeg
> > > >>> --
> > > >>> View this message in context:
> > > >> http://www.nabble.com/new-boat-position-tf4784775.html#a13688442
> > > >>> Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> > > >>>
> > > >>> __________________________________________________
> > > >>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> __________________________________________________
> > > >> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > View this message in context:
> http://www.nabble.com/new-boat-position-tf4784775.html#a13746323
> > > Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> >
> > --
> > Robert Skinner  "Squirrel Haven"
> > Gorham, Maine         04038-1331
> > s/v "Little Dipper" & "Edith P."
> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> 
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list

-- 
Robert Skinner  "Squirrel Haven" 
Gorham, Maine         04038-1331
s/v "Little Dipper" & "Edith P."