Simon,

Here's something to consider if the rudder system is all too messy. It's something I've been considering as it gets the rudders stored vertically and out of the way with one swing.
The image was courtesy of Andrew DeLaine at Lake Bonney Yacht Club.

Regarding your 2nd question if the rudder leading edge is perpendicular to the deck and aligned with the line of sight through the pintles then all should be OK. Some like to have a slight rake forward but this shouldn't affect your tacking ability.

Watch the Taipan skippers and how smoothly they tack. If you seem to be stopped still then you probably are. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> It may just be a matter of technique but probably would be a good idea to get one of the experts to have a look at your setup.

Regards,

Peter