Rudder Extension R29?

[aroett]

Hello all,

Recently purchased a 2010 R29. Boat is presently out of water and I noticed that there is a considerable rudder extension. The extension almost doubles the total size of the rudder. I have done a test drive on the boat, but that is it, so not sure how this is affecting it. I assume if Ranger factory thought these boats needed a bigger rudder, they would have designed it with one. Boat having problems reaching full RPM and does run hot, so thinking of removing this just to get to the baseline factory design while I troubleshoot.

-Anyone else put on a rudder extension or think it’s necessary?
-Other thoughts?

Can't get photo to work so here is link to it.

http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=78834&g2_imageViewsIndex=1

 

[Mr. Ed]

As much as I'd like to have a bigger rudder on my R31S for low speed control, it would have to be balanced on the post (offset with about 1/3 of the mass forward of the post), instead of having the entire rudder behind it. As yours appears, at higher speeds there is likely too much force on the post, bearings, and the autopilot. Neat idea, but probably under engineered. Very interested to learn how it performs.

 

[BB marine]

Who ever did it did a nice job. I'm with Mr Ed, there are measurable forces on that rudder. The manufacturer of the rudder Marine Hardware would be the folks I would talk to about this. Honestly once you get to know the handling of your boat the rudder size is not the issue. It is the shallow draft and limited keel that is more of an issue during a breezy day. The fact that the boat has thrusters will aid when piloting the boat in slow tight areas. After 5 years of piloting my C26 I rarely use the thrusters sometimes my wife has to remind me to use them. I call them my OH S _ _ _ Levers !!! When all else fails use the thrusters.

I seriously do not think the rudder has any thing to do with an over heat issue. From looking at the photo it appears a good bottom cleaning and prop cleaning is in order. I would also inspect the pickup screen (engine thru hull) for growth and obstructions in the piping in that location. I don't know the plumbing sizes of the R29 at this location but I do know Fluid Motion doesn't size them according to the manufacturer. I believe you should have a minimum of 1 1/2 " thru hull and all piping to the strainer should match this size (1 1/2" ). Normal sizing is minimum = to inlet/outlet or one pipe size bigger than the sea water pump inlet and outlet flanges. Anything smaller will cause a reduction in flow and warmer engine operating temperatures.

From a previous post of yours you indicated that the ambient water temperature is cold in the area that you boat. If I purchased a boat that was experiencing over heat issues in cold water I would plan on spending some money and remove and inspect and if needed replace the following items,

Drain and flush fresh water cooling side. While the engine is drained remove and test thermostat. ( replace the thermostat with a new one but I would test the old one to confirm it was functioning)

When the system is Drained.
*Remove and inspect circulating pump.
*Thru hull screen and piping,
*Strainer
*All raw water hoses
*Reverse gear cooler,
*Raw water pump housing ( inspect for liner wearing and position in housing)
*Aftercooler remove clean and inspect
*heat exchanger remove clean and inspect
*Exhaust elbow remove clean and inspect

After all inspections are completed and any discrepancies repaired or replaced fill system with anti-freeze and test run the engine. You want to see 4000 rpm +100 if the boat is light. If reproving is needed I would recommend replacing the 3 blade with a properly sized 4 blade prop. (my opinion this boat should have a 4 blade)

 

[Kevin Lamont]

Hello all,

Recently purchased a 2010 R29. Boat is presently out of water and I noticed that there is a considerable rudder extension. The extension almost doubles the total size of the rudder. I have done a test drive on the boat, but that is it, so not sure how this is affecting it. I assume if Ranger factory thought these boats needed a bigger rudder, they would have designed it with one. Boat having problems reaching full RPM and does run hot, so thinking of removing this just to get to the baseline factory design while I troubleshoot.

-Anyone else put on a rudder extension or think it’s necessary?
-Other thoughts?

Can't get photo to work so here is link to it.

http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=78834&g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Hello,

The rudder extension is something a previous owner has installed, not sure how it was attached but I would agree that a call or email to Marine Hardware wouldn't hurt. Also I would agree that with the extension and added weight it can or has caused damage to parts in the rudder housing, you can check to see if it is tight by pulling back and pushing side to side to see if there is any slob in the housing.

With the engine overheat there are a lot of factors which most were listed in the post above, but a good hull cleaning would be a must do in order to get a correct performance base line to then diagnose from there. If the previous owner provided an engine log book that's a great place to start to see what should be serviced due to hours/age. If not, I would suggest doing a base service which would include all fluids, raw water impeller, air filter service, all fuel filters, clean strainers and coolers if needed and even an engine alignment check/adjustment.

Hope this helps,

 

[bill46]

I often use thrusters at very slow speed to help steer our 31CB.

 

[scross]

I’ve often said that the rudder on our R-25 Classic isn’t a rudder, it’s just a popsicle stick. It’s just adequate at cruising speeds.
At docking speeds I typically count on the thrusters as much as the rudder for directional position when moving forward. Moving aft, the rudder is completely useless and it’s 100% throttle and thrusters for control. And all that’s ok and works well for me.
If it were my boat I would permanently remove that extension thing and make sure the original equipment hasn’t been damaged.

 

[FlyMeAway]

What did the surveyor say on haulout?

You did get a survey, right?

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

A rudder extension or installing a larger rudder has pros and cons. The pros is that a boat is much more manageable at low speeds/docking and the cons are that steering is much more sensitive at higher speeds....ie more difficult to control and of course the extension can be exposed vs being protected with the keel. A marine engineer designed the rudder to work with the boat in the most overall efficient manner so in my case I’d run with that.

Jim F

 

[bob daily]

I have a different take on the rudder extension! The biggest drawback that I have to the ranger models in question is the lack of rudder compared to other manufacturers. If you look at a tug from another company and compare the size of the rudder the Ranger/Cutwater will have 1/2 the rudder. I realize the said rudder was modified and does not meet the original design but who has not modified their boat to perform to there needs! Docking is where you will notice the boats handling abilities the most and while thrusters are great they do have a failure rate. It's your boat you can do what you want but if you remove the extension I would save as you will probably reinstall sometime in the future after you see how the boat handles. For those who use there thrusters every time they dock how do you prepare for a thruster failure? It will happen and usually at the most inconvenient time!
Just my thoughts. Bob

 

[scross]

Bob,
Haven’t had a thruster failure in 5 years. Don’t think one failing would cause any serious problems while docking. Can’t ever imagine both failing at same time coming into the dock.