Discussions about Rudder toe-in always seem to open a big can of worms. While some mechanical conditions can effect rudder alignment, it doesn't explain why so many sailors in so many different classes use rudder toe-in. Folks liken rudder alignment to reasons automobile front ends use toe-in. This could be some of the truth, but not the whole story. It's been said that 16 bows can tow-in 2 1/2 inches under sheet tension before they're considered too sloppy for competition. This could effect the distance between the sterns and effect rudder alignment, but it's not the big picture. This subject probably comes up a little more with the asymmetrical boardless cats, but lots of different boats use toe-in for different reasons. However, it seems the most consistent reasons are - the leeward rudder does the work, and the windward rudder becomes a surface piercing foil.(similar to going up and down with one rudder, with less practice)

This same discussion popped up in the 'Open Forum' not too long ago. Search open forum for 'Rudder toe in)

There's been tons of discussions concerning toe-in in the 14-16 forum as well.(do search for Toe-in, toe in, etc.) Some of the contributing discussions in 'Cat Racing for the 90's also mention toe-in for their class of boat.(at end of book)