Danno,

This could be part of your tacking problem. If your rudders are not aligned properly they will provide a good deal of resistance through the water. The rudder arms are supposed to be bent like you show for the reasons that Rolf explained. However, with the rudders pointing straight forward they should be in perfect alignment. Only when the boat begins to turn should the alignment change (due to the Ackerman angle).

With the boat supported on dry ground, draw a level horizontal line on each rudder in the same position (below the casting is usually a good spot). Position one rudder pointing straight forward (site down the hull comparing the rudder blade angle with the bow). Use a tape measure and measure the distace between the back of both rudder blades at your mark. Then measure the distance between the front of both rudder blades at your mark. If these distances are different by more than 1/8" you need to adjust the length of your tiller crossbar to align the rudders properly...this usually means cutting it and redrilling it.