OK, I'd like to challenge the reasoning behind the standard set up for rudders on the Hobie 16 in particular and any asymetic hull cats in general. The 'norm' seems to be to set the rudders for 3 -5 mm of toe in, this is given by both the people 'in the know' and in texts such as Rick and Mary's cat racing for the 90s, (yes I'd like to hear Ricks thoughts if your reading this).
To me this doesn't make sence, the texts say the toe in lets the windward rudder cut through the water with minimal drag as the leward rudder is angled slightly (tracking) to windward countering the sideslip. So here's my arguement to leave the rudders parallel.

A) Asymetric hulls have more sideslip than boarded designs therefore parallel rudders should help provide more resistance to the slippage. ie both rudders are working insteaqd of one.

B) The more the sideslip is resisted the lesser the amount of rudder 'angle of attack' should be required hence less drag.

Naturally I'm wrong as everyone toes them in but WHY?

Cheers Phil

107902 "Philthy Habits"