Date: 11/11/2009
Name: Bob McGovern
email: bobmcgov@wildblue.net
subject:Legality & such
Tim: Depends on whether the diagram showing a "typical" SJ21 rudder profile counts as part of the rule canon; the Handbook text probably trumps that, and I have no idea what profile restrictions that imposes, since I haven't got one.:) Definitely the UHMW is verboten -- meaning, for example, that Idasailor's fine (tho brutally expensive) rudders are out. Mr. Chesser will have the last word on NACA.Other reasons my rudder is illegal: it's about 2" too long, and it is 11" wide for its entire length.
We can all appreciate Greg's concern with maintaining uniformity among one-design boats. Honoring the OD spirit is critical for those who race OD. But you see, I don't race. I don't care about racing. We bought this boat because the size, weight, price, and performance fit what we wanted in a daysailor/pocket cruiser. It obviously needed a new rudder assembly. It takes no more work or money to make a good blade than to replicate the crude, heavy, hydrodynamically stupid rudder that came on the boat.
So I made a good one. If ever we wish to race, I'll make a legal blade for that purpose. It'll take two hours. Meantime, our boat sails much better (yeah, it really does); that is our only goal and constraint. I am careful to make all changes easily reversible so the next owner can cheaply bring it back to class compliance. But in the meantime, the boat belongs to me. I will modify it to make it faster, safer, more comfortable, exactly as I see fit. No one else needs follow. Count the number of SJ21 owners who race One Design -- then divide by 2500.:) Most owners are like us -- just love the boat and sail for fun. And glory, isn't it a fun little boat.
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