VG23 Rudder Question from Plans
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2022 10:24 pm
Hello,
I'm enjoying the build up to now. The plans are very complete and simply reading them multiple times, studying the paper model I've made, and thinking for a day or two, and usually I can figure out the things I'm not sure of initially. But I've found a few puzzles that I still can't figure out.
There appears to be a mis-match on the VG23 plans between the nesting diagram (page 2 of the "Large Sheets" titled "D240/2 Nesting") which shows nesting for 3x rudder pieces from 10mm (3/8") ply and 2x rudder cheeks from 13mm (1/2") ply. In contrast, on the page where the rudder, tiller attachment, and pintles are actually specified (page 8 of the plans titled "B240/14 Fixed Rudder") looking at the diagram that shows the tiller plates and bolt going through the rudder, it seems the rudder assembly is formed from just two pieces of ply (3/8" ?) and the rudder cheeks are narrower in width (1/4" ?).
I think, based on scaling the rudder fitting sizes etc., that the 2x3/8" ply plus 1/4" rudder cheeks seems to be correct? Total thickness then would be ~5/4" plus glass/resin. This also seems to fit with a blurry photo I have of Brian's VG23 Talon rudder.
With other non-critical parts I'd be tempted to go with what seemed right. But the rudder is a bit more critical - I'd rather it matched the design as specified. So three questions just to be certain:
(a) is the rudder laminated from two or three pieces of 3/8"
(b) should the rudder cheeks be 1/4" ply rather than 1/2" ply shown on the nesting page??
I can't find any dimensions on any of the plans for the skeg. The skeg isn't listed on the nesting diagram either. I can certainly guess at dimensions, or measure/scale a size from the profile view, but I'm not sure of thickness.
(c) Would 2x1/2" ply laminated and covered with 2x biaxial be suitable thickness for the skeg?'
Jacques mentioned a possible cassette rudder design and I've thought about designing this myself too. It seems like it would be a good idea - some extra weight yes, but also the convenience of being able to lift up the rudder and lock in place for shallow draft sailing. It might even be possible to adjust boat balance using different rudder locking positions.
Thanks,
Mick
I'm enjoying the build up to now. The plans are very complete and simply reading them multiple times, studying the paper model I've made, and thinking for a day or two, and usually I can figure out the things I'm not sure of initially. But I've found a few puzzles that I still can't figure out.
There appears to be a mis-match on the VG23 plans between the nesting diagram (page 2 of the "Large Sheets" titled "D240/2 Nesting") which shows nesting for 3x rudder pieces from 10mm (3/8") ply and 2x rudder cheeks from 13mm (1/2") ply. In contrast, on the page where the rudder, tiller attachment, and pintles are actually specified (page 8 of the plans titled "B240/14 Fixed Rudder") looking at the diagram that shows the tiller plates and bolt going through the rudder, it seems the rudder assembly is formed from just two pieces of ply (3/8" ?) and the rudder cheeks are narrower in width (1/4" ?).
I think, based on scaling the rudder fitting sizes etc., that the 2x3/8" ply plus 1/4" rudder cheeks seems to be correct? Total thickness then would be ~5/4" plus glass/resin. This also seems to fit with a blurry photo I have of Brian's VG23 Talon rudder.
With other non-critical parts I'd be tempted to go with what seemed right. But the rudder is a bit more critical - I'd rather it matched the design as specified. So three questions just to be certain:
(a) is the rudder laminated from two or three pieces of 3/8"
(b) should the rudder cheeks be 1/4" ply rather than 1/2" ply shown on the nesting page??
I can't find any dimensions on any of the plans for the skeg. The skeg isn't listed on the nesting diagram either. I can certainly guess at dimensions, or measure/scale a size from the profile view, but I'm not sure of thickness.
(c) Would 2x1/2" ply laminated and covered with 2x biaxial be suitable thickness for the skeg?'
Jacques mentioned a possible cassette rudder design and I've thought about designing this myself too. It seems like it would be a good idea - some extra weight yes, but also the convenience of being able to lift up the rudder and lock in place for shallow draft sailing. It might even be possible to adjust boat balance using different rudder locking positions.
Thanks,
Mick