DIY Sailing Rudder for $50

Joel wanted to do some sailing with his action sail but didn't have a rudder. The rudder kit for an Ultra 4.3 is $260. I had an extra Hobie sailing rudder ($30) left over from my AI conversion kit so decided to make a tiller rudder for Joel. I had the following design criteria:
1. It had to be able to be installed and uninstalled on the water.
2. It had to be stowable in the front hatch.
3. It had to use only the rigging that was on the boat.
4. It had to be hands free, maintains heading without holding the tiller.
5. The total cost had to be less than $50.

So here is what I came up with. Came out pretty cool. More pics on 1/14/13 OTW.

I have no clue how that all is supposed to fit together, but really loook forward to seeing it in action! 

Looks like someone got out the shovel and some pipes to fix the sprinkler system.

The drop in/lock in design is really slick. Like EWB says, if something can be built with PVC.... .

Pretty sweet Scott you definitely have a good imagination. Did Mooch do some yak sailing .

PatR

You're gettin' better Scott! I am starting to think we need an annual DIY PVC competition..

Catergories as follows:

Most ingenious
Most ghetto

I think you've got one entered in each category 

 

You're gettin' better Scott! I am starting to think we need an annual DIY PVC competition..

Catergories as follows:

Most ingenious
Most ghetto

I think you've got one entered in each category 

 

I second that!

Nice creation!

Pretty sweet Scott you definitely have a good imagination. Did Mooch do some yak sailing .

PatR

First, I want thank Scott for the DIY rudder assembly. I was very impressed by how responsive the rudder was . Unfortunately, I had problems getting  the sail up and running - my clumsiness got the best of me Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting out again and testing out the sail with the Scott-made-rudder-kit 

That's a great solution to Joel's hatred of rudders but desire to sail! sweet work, very creative!

Hang in there Joel it get easier and quite enjoyable cursing with the wind .

PatR