Why not just improve the lifting mechanisim on the present casette type T foil rudders? Personaly I like the idea of only having half the rudder, or less, down when coming in to or departing the beach. You will still have a lighter helm than with a kicked up rudder, which can be hard to steer in big wind and waves. And it would seem the casette type system would be lighter, less moving parts to break, etc.

Could someone who uses the present T foil rudders please post a close up picture of the headstock and the rudder in both the up and down possition, and tell us how it works? Thanks.

Hi everyone,
Would like to ask you a question, after sailing 49ers I always ask the question why not!! rudders in a box system?? they have some good points 1)when you need to sail into or out of a beach with any seaway they would work well if you could just left them up to miss the bottom and still steer! 2)packing the boat for transport all you need to do is take them out and pack them into a bag like the centre boards! 3) they would never kick up under load or sailing in waters with things like jellyfish! 4)if anything fouled them like seawead you could still steer while lifting them free! 5)in conditions like high winds with flat waters you could lift them to reduce drag?? [color:"red"] [/color] disadvantages? 1)hitting a object or the bottom in shallow waters?? BUT would it be cover by the centre boards???? whats your thoughts!!!! Love allways MarkXX <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />