Hi all,

have to agree with Wouter on this one, I do not find any inherent problems with rod rudder system. Altered uses A class AHPC rudders that I bought with boat which are the same as Taipan ones, these have been working on boat for around 5 years and no sighn of problems and most of the Taipans I see in OZ still seem to be using them. I have hit bottom with mine a number of times accidentaly and they have always popped up without damage.

Regarding pulling the whole lot of back of boat in OZ it is a safety requirement that all pintles have to have a cross hole drilled in them and a pin or ring clip securing them so they can not fall off, just as centreboards must also be tied to boat in such away they can never fall off in a capsize or whatever. Both of which I would suggest is a good idea regardless of safety regulations in your country.

Regards Gary.