Articulated rudder

[Denis]

Has anyone see the article in Soundings magazine about installing an articulated rudder on single screw inboards? The article and pictures make perfect sense. My older Albin has an undersized bow thruster and on windy days I have a terrible time getting into my slip. That addition to my rudder may just be the ticket. Anyone have any ideas if this would not be a good idea? Oh what a joy it would be to actually be able to steer my boat.

[jcollins]

I could have used one today. It was blowing 15-20 from the port side. Made docking a little dicey. I'm fortunate that I don't back in and I don't have other boats around me.
Since I only back into a slip at a marina a few times a year it's not worth the 3000+ price tag. I still believe I will master this task as the years go by.
Watching those crab boats back in and out gives me hope!
Speaking of Soundings, they interviewed me for their Used Boat Review. I don't know what month it will be published. I guess I should subscribe.

[joe.baar]

Denis,
I remember seeing that article. I also remember seeing somewhere recently that enlarging the 28's rudder might impair performance at higher speeds, i.e. on a plane, and should only be done after consulting a naval architect competent in the particular specialty of rudders and steering. In any case it isn't clear how much effect a larger rudder, even an articulated one, will really have when you're in reverse gear and your prop is sending its water column away from the rudder.

[hjonas]

I'm surprised that you have problems backing into slips. I always back in and even practice doing it without the bowthruster. The boat should normally back to port but since the engine is backwards she backs to starboard (due to prop walk). I also don't feel the bowthruster is "underpowered". The key I find is to line the boat up to windward and parallel to the slip then back in slowly using hard rudder and slow forward to maneuver the stern - the bow will follow. If at first you don't succeed go back out and try it again - don't force her into the slip. Do it on a calm day a few times then with more wind. With the skeg they will almost track in reverse but not enough to get you into the slip.

Hank Jonas
On-Rush
A-28 TE
2004

[Denis]

Thanks for the replys everyone.
Just to remind the members, I have a 94 model, very early on the production line. The bow thruster I have installed is not even made anymore, it's a 23 kgf, less than half the power of those installed on newer models. My thruster will hardly move the bow when there is no wind or current.
Like most single screw boats, the rudder is pretty usless in reverse, it needs prop wash to act on the boats direction. What I am trying to achieve is when I pop it in forward with the rudder cranked hard over, I want to feel the stern move. When there is little or no wind, I have no problem at all, I can back right into my slip, but when there is wind on the nose I need more control. I think the articulated rudder will give me more response when in forward around the dock. The company that is making these, has installed their rudder on an Albin before, I will be contacting them for more info. It will be cheaper than the seven thousand plus quoted to install the bow thruser that the rest of you have. D.

[joe.baar]

Denis,
Please accept my sincere apologies for the lecture on rudder sizes. Our boat is a 1995 model with the same Vetus as yours, except ours stopped working completely at the end of last year.

Over the winter I've removed the solenoid and had it looked at by our local DC motor shop. They cleaned it up a little, tested it and pronounced the windings and contacts all good. Previously they also examined the motor with similar results.

When we haul the boat next week I'll try to replace the thruster zincs and determine if the drive train is corroded beyond repair although since the motor doesn't hum at all I don't think that's where the problem lies. My best guess is the cabling is all green dust or the ground wire no longer functions at all. If I knew anything about 12-volt systems I'd be dangerous.

I'm determined to make this thruster work reliably again because even though it's so badly underpowered it sure would be helpful in getting away from our slip, and returning to it.

I'm also really interested to hear about your new rudder at some point, this seems more and more like a great idea. Please keep us all informed about progress. Thanks, Denis.

[Denis]

Joe.baar, I had a similar problem two years ago and my local motor shop found that the wires holding the brushes would hang up and keep the brush from making contact. A simple realignment of the brush wires took care of the problem. Maybe it's a simple fix for you too

[Mariner]

Nine times out of ten, a non-functioning thruster can be traced back to a faulty switch or loose connection. I would start there.