Messing about in boats – updated. Twin rudders, July 2016

Messing about in boats – updated. Twin rudders, July 2016

I am going to do a series of blog additions about some of the fun things I have done on Starr.

 
 
MV Starr
My brother-in-law reminded me of a time when I was about 10 years old. I took a 4×8 sheet of plywood, nailed 2 x 6 sides on it with a slightly raked bow, and then put a five horse Johnson outboard on it and that was my hydroplane.

We have now had Starr for 16 years and I still am having fun cobbling up gadgets, tools, and devices to make cruising on Starr more fun.

I m going to post some of the changes I have made since we purchased Starr in September 2000.

Sub-Zero Door closing controller-2016

Combination Dive/Swim/Fish Cleaning Table with – Audible Fish-on-the Line Alarm 2015

– Top Deck drain modifications 2014

– Stern Swim Step extension 2013-14

– Top Deck extension 2014

Novurania Cradle and Storage Unit 2002

Kayak Lifting and Storage Rack 2001

Twin Rudders on a single screw- 2000

The first and best change we have made on Starr to this date, 2016, was to change from a single rudder to twin rudders.

We purchased Starr in 2000 when it was 2 years old.

We sea trialed Starr in 4-6ft seas and saw that there was a need for excessive rudder and counter rudder to hold a straight course.

We consulted with a couple of naval architects who concurred that the boat was lacking in rudder control. I made the decision to change the rudder system as soon as the purchase was completed. The new twin rudders drive the boat like it is on rails. Even in 6-12ft seas the rudder moves so little that it seems like it is stuck in place.

 
 
Original single rudder
 
 
New twin rudders
Below is a link to an article published in Passagemaker magazine in March/April 2004:

Article in Passagemaker

– Small Tool Devices- 2000-2016

New projects under consideration:

How to design and install ultrasonic distance measuring from starboard and port aft-quarter to floats/docks and the Ballard locks wall.

These distance measurements will optimally show up on my existing Axis starboard and port side deck cameras.

A simplified at-anchor flopper-stopper launching and retrieval system. The process that Sharry and I currently use is not safe. I am following Ken Williams current addition of active TRAC at-anchor stabilizers on Sans Souci, and if he s happy with them then maybe we would add them to Starr…..?

 

2 Comments
  • timber timber
    Posted at 11:06h, 10 July Reply

    SUBJECT: Re: Messing About in Boats – Updated; Twin Rudders, July 2016

    Very interesting article, Don. Thanks for sharing.

    On Sun, Jul 10, 2016 at 6:52 AM, Starr”s Blog < blogcomments-P8M84@[...]> wrote:

    >

  • Kent D. Huisken
    Posted at 10:54h, 12 July Reply

    SUBJECT: Re: Messing About in Boats – Updated; Twin Rudders, July 2016

    Hi Don,
    Did you get my reply to your e-mail regarding summer schedule. I saw your double rudder solution below. Curious if you ever considered an articulating rudder.
    Kent D. Huisken
    (605) 351-3525

    From: Starr”s Blog
    Sent: Sunday, July 10, 2016 8:52 AM
    To: kent.huisken@s…
    Subject: Messing About in Boats – Updated; Twin Rudders, July 2016

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