Thanks Jim! Valuable advice indeed. Funny you should mention the priority check list. Here is Elliott with my new Cal rudder from Foss last week…
So when that work is done, I hope thats the most likely failure addressed. I had them build with Schedule 80 rather than 40. I think that leaves the rudder tube as the weakest point and they are gusseting that. Next on the risk list (I guess) is what happens on a strike of unprotected fin/spade as well as Monitor strike. I have a question into Suzy et al. on the "GGR mods" for Monitors and also on the autopilot steering for e-rudders, which is where the thread started. I think the GGR mods probably include the stronger breakaway tubes. I have a couple of the strongest spares, but I will report back when I actually know something. Correct me if I'm wrong but rudder failures (main or pilot) seem to be the most common problem to/from Hawaii.
I have a couple of drogues including a Shark. I watched how Triteia sailed most of the way with a drogue, you can see the pole used here https://youtu.be/JpU3Ad_1pl8?t=761 and here https://youtu.be/H7X0wwGTtM0?t=439 I have no practical experience using them offshore, but plan to get some. More practical advice greatly appreciated, I was going to keep drogues to a separate thread.