E-Rudder... if I have two rudders?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
talonf4u
In 2014, I sold my Moore 24 and migrated to the other coast. I never made it to Hawaii in the Moore--I think I sailed about five shorthanded races, total--but the idea was firmly planted.
Later this year I should complete an un-migration and return. I can't claim to be coming back a local, as I'll be stuck in northern NV, but the boat will live in SF Bay and I'm already plotting for 2020! I have a new weapon, a Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200, and she is thirsty for some Mai Tais.
I have a couple of questions I'd like to pitch to the audience.
I am not rightly sure what my employer thinks of these plans, but I am concerned I won't be able to be take enough time off to sail the boat home. I'd be obliged if anyone could give me a ballpark figure on what it would take to send her home on a ship. I would imagine it's a trip of close to three weeks on her own keel.
The boat's equipped with a twin rudder/twin tiller setup. When I did the Bermuda 1-2 in 2017, I met the emergency tiller requirement with the combination of having two of both-and showing I could keep the weather one in the water if the leeward one was gone- as well as having a backup plan of doing the old spin pole off the transom number. Would any of the kind folks who know about such things weigh in on whether or not that would meet the requirements of the SHTP?
Am I getting ahead of myself? When I can't sail, I like to plan for sailing!
Steve
Note there has been a few examples of twin rudder boats losing both rudders (the design or fabrication flaw that led to one rudder failing eventually led to the second rudder failing). So though the RC might say your having two rudders is "good enough", I suggest you still bring an appropriately sized "steering drogue" - so you can get to Hawaii in the eventuality you lose both rudders. Never mind if you have much cant to your rudders, it may prove impossible to steer the boat on one tack.
1 Attachment(s)
Let the preparations Begin
Now that Green Buffalo has chimed in EIGHT TIMES, it must be time to start preparations for 2020. Here is a copy of the 2018 Seminars.
Attachment 4685
Given the rudder and autopilot issues of this year's Transpac out of Long Beach and our own LongPac, I'm thinking that those topics should attract lots of attention. If you think another topic should be covered, post here.
And what have I learned myself this year? That this club is full of people who will loan you stuff, encourage you in many different ways, and come to your boat to help. So don't think that you have to fabricate your own emergency rudder in your driveway. Maybe you can buy one from someone who has already done that and won't do the race again. Maybe someone will help you make one in his or her workshop/garage/driveway.
Post here and request help. Come to the Skippers' and awards meetings, chat people up at dinner in Half Moon Bay and Vallejo, come to the Cruise Down November 16 and pick some brains, get ideas, ask for help. This is a great club full of generous people.