As the rudder is loaded during use, this internal beam keeps the outer skins in column relative to each other, allowing the rudder's fiberglass skins to carry the steering loads. During use, these dynamic steering loads are unequal from top to bottom and from lee side to weather side of the rudder surface. Through the use of the internal reinforcements and heavy-duty fiberglass rudder skins, this rudder design minimizes torsional and lateral deflection, resulting in a precise sailboat handling experience.

It's like adding power steering to your 22!. Click on the comparison photo of the the two rudders shown below. It is apparent the surface area of the new rudder (left) is farther forward. Note the notch in the leading edge which also adds area forward, near the axis of the pivot point of the rudder. Moving the center of resistance forward reduces steering effort significantly.

The original rudder with it's leading edge angled aft, shifts surface area aft applying more load to the pintles for a given rudder load.

• Overall length: 60"
• Chord length: 12"
• Thickness: 1-1/2"
• Distance between pintles: 12"
• Pintle Diameter: 1/2" (not enough clearance for 3/8" pintles. See "May we also suggest" below to upgrade your gudgeons to accommodate the larger pintles.)

1) This rudder is not the original factory rudder. Don't expect it to look like the original factory rudder. This rudder is also a different shape. The manufacturer of this rudder approached the design with a clean slate and created a rudder with optimal performance and a true NACA airfoil. The dimensions of this rudder will differ from your original rudder. It is the buyer's responsibility to decide if this rudder is appropriate for his or her boat and use before ordering.

2) Since these rudders are not original equipment and are a more advanced shape, they are not legal for class racing. This relieves us from having to duplicate the old rudder shape. Instead we can offer an improved shape which is a NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) 0012 airfoil. This airfoil is considered by many sailboat designers to be the ideal combination of maximum lift with minimal drag. Owners typically experience much lighter tiller effort, crisper tacking and improved pointing as a result of the improved airfoil section. You will experience better slow speed maneuverability while docking as well.

3) Since there is some variation from boat to boat in its location, The tiller bolt hole must be drilled by customer to match his existing location and to provide the correct tiller angle for the helmsman. For the Catalina 22 Sport for example, the hole in the rudder must be drilled a bit lower in order to raise the front of the tiller so that it doesn't hit the the Sport's taller cockpit seats.

4) This item does not conform to the shipping table in the Shopping Cart. Additional shipping must be calculated. When you place your order we always call with a shipping quote before billing your card. For a quote in advance, just call 800/959-7245.

5) A 50% nonrefundable deposit will be billed when your order for this item is accepted. The balance will be billed when the product ships.

6) When you order this special order item it sets off a chain of events like Willie Wonka in the chocolate factory. Once you turn the valve the chocolate is coming down the pipe. If you then decide you want caramel, the chocolate is still going to come out of the pipe. We can't put the Chocolate back in the pipe, so someone is going to have to eat it, and it's not going to be us! Your order can't be canceled, returned, or magically changed into caramel, so please order carefully the first time!

Caution: Never leave any rudder sitting in the sun in the back of your pickup. With half the rudder immersed while moored, water will dissipate any heat buildup. But while stored, heat may damage the rudder. A Fiberglass rudder may expand and split at the seams. A polyethylene rudder may warp. Always store your rudder out of the direct sun.