Is it possible to add another hole to the Taipan rudder system so can adjust for operation in shallow water?

I've got a shallow reef (about 500mm) that I need to travel daily to get out to the deep water.

Happy holidays!

Depending on the type of rudder stock (19X19 al tube, casting or carbon) there may not be a lot of support to the rudder.
Letting the leeward rudder trail and hold the windward one down partially with both tiller and rod in hand may encourage you to take it a little easier and ensure your rudders are not overloaded.

But essentially in answer to your question. Yes you could.
(I they are carbon stocks I'd also add another stainless plate for the hole.)

Regards,
Phill

Thanks Phill,
Of the three the carbon looks to be the best candidate because it's straight. The casting style bends down towards the hulls and the al tube bends up? Do you think it would work on all three? I presume the stainless plate for the hole would be critical.

Happy holidays!

Won't you find it hard to steer with the blades pivoted up even a small amount? Why not just leave the lock down rod out of the tiller arm hole and strap it along the arm with a bungie or velcro? If am inpact occurs, the rudder will put up quite easily.
BTW, I've hit a few marine sunfish (~3'x3', slow moving, surface loving beast) doing 20kts on my Tornado. The AHPC taipan rudders popped up beautifully everytime, no damage to blade or release system (but I think the fish didn't fair quite so well ). I really liked that setup...simple, reliable, low cost, light. My new boat came with the Marstrom system stocks. While thay also use a lock down arm, there are a lot of little springs/rollers involved and they do not hold up at all when you hit something. Might try to modify the stock to be more like the AHPC's.

Mike.

A pivoting dagger rudder could be your ideal solution.
See attached.
Luiz

What will happen when your rudder is not fully down and you hit an underwater object ?

I rest my case.

Wouter

Why what will happen?
Thanks

Wouter,

If this is a major concern, then another solution is the system used in the F33, where the entire cassette pivots. This system seems to be more complex, more expensive and heavie, though.

To be honest,

I don't understand what the others are looking for, the new AHPC stocks are just fine. It is not a problem sailing with them unlocked over a shallow. 500 mtr ? Not a problem. I do 250 mtr or slightly more when I traverse the surf and I'm doing alright; so I don't see how 500 mtr can be a problem.

But indeed your suggestion would be a solution.

Wouter

Use the force Luke....steer with your sails until deep enough to use rudders.

so, is the idea that there wouldn't be much weather helm w/ the rudder 1/2 down in the dagger possition?
if it works like that and you need more control than pulling the jib in too tight and luffing the main with rudders dragging behind gives, it sounds like a great idea.

Exactly. Plus you may use only part of the rudder when racing in light conditions or downwind to reduce drag.

Ok maybe not necessary in most cases. But it seems it would be better then converting over to a bungee system.