Dotan Kick-Up Rudder System

Does anyone have any experience with the Dotan Rudder System ?

I have been wanting to modernize my P19's rudder system
and for under $1000.USD this looks interesting.

The comes up about every 6 months, you can do a search on it. I have never seen a good review of these rudders. If I remember right:
the stocks are not stiff enough
the blades are not well balanced
florida people saying they want to sail with blades half down

I think one time a dotan salesman came on this board to defend the rudder, so maybe they did a redesign. I personally would not use them on my boat after what I read on here.

Butch,

What is the problem with your P19 rudder system?

With all due respect, have you researched how to properly keep that rudder system working consistent, and dependable?

I could go in to it here, but I won't now, you may not need any advice. There have been many threads on this in the past. BTW, it's the same as the P18-2 I'm pretty sure.

Nope, no problems Tex, system working like its supposed too.
Just want something a little lighter, easier to raise and
lower, removable for trailering...that kind of stuff.

Would it be advisable to look into the N20 system?

Well, yours is certainly removable for trailering.

On my old P18-2, (same system), I always left the castings on crossbar on. I would always take out the bolt and spacers and tie/untie the lines to the rudder every time it was trailered.

It's a pretty sturdy system, and works well when the lock down bolt is maintained, etc.

Well...lets just say your concept of removable and mine are
just a little different. Removable yes, but the PITA factor
is over my threshold limit

The Dotan system has been around for years...but never seems to catch on. I believe there are heavy compared to most stock setups.

By co-incidence, I just sailed on a boat yesterday using the Dotan setup...they were put on the first production run Weta 14' trimarans. While everything seemed fine on this boat...the latest boats have an upgraded rudder setup that looks identical to the Australian High Performance Catamaran system I once fitted on my old Tornado...can be seen on the Capricorn F18.

I recieved an e-mail from Dotan last night asking if I was looking for rudders. I assumed it was in response to a request I had about a month ago for rudders. Anybody else have this happen.
I wasn't mad or anything, I'm just currious now.

Use the search feature, type in "Dotan". Do some reading and if you have any ?'s PM me here. Look at page 4 when you do the search.

Don't buy a Dotan rudder, the service is non existant if there is a problem.

I paid good money for a rudder and received a damaged blade, then they came up with all sorts of reasons why it was not their fault.

Leonid at Dotan will not answer my emails.

There is also a design fault with the rudder for the Optimist and it will damage the boat if the boat is not modified.

I will attach some pics asap.

i trailor with the rudders on, use some 3/8" line wraped 3 times under the tiller arm/under blade around casting...have made over 70-140 mile round trips over the last 3 years like this no problem. let the rudders hang on the line, let the pull up lines loose so they don't hang on the springs.

i also found that if you pull on both up and down lines at the same time the rudder raises easier for some reason...

speaking of rudders...you racing the dauphin island race this year butch? i'm finally bringing the blue ribbon this year...tired of getting beat up on my buddies mono!

For prindle rudders you can cut a 2x4 long enough to fit into the casting.

The bottom will sit on the lower part of the casting, the upper part rests under the upper part of the blade. Slighty cup or notch the ends. This holds the rudder up and keeps the springs free. You can add padding for the rudder side and a line or shock cord to make sure it can't leave unexpected like.

Charge to 200 joules,
Ok everyone.........CLEAR............Phwapppp

OK, now the threads going again!