Hi Bob,

Fishtail rudder – not heard this name before,  I think they are talking about a ‘Becker rudder’.  Where the last third of the blade moves in a greater arc than the front part,  this gives a curved look to the rudder when turning and should enable the boat to turn in its own length.

Have a look at my album ‘Pacific Light’, I have two of these fitted.

Go to page 8 of the album – this shows the component parts of the rudder and then to page 3 – were you’ll see them fitted (photos 123/124/125).  They are not a direct swap for a standard rudder, as they need a bottom pivot and a secondary top pivot point.  The one’s fitted here measure 100mm in height and are from ‘Graupner’ and cost £12 each.

Cheers – Kenny

Hi Guys,

I met a Canadian Tug Captain who was over here visiting a Model boat Regatta, when he spotted my Springer Tug he seached me out to chat, he also sails models and it was him that suggested that I try a Fishtail Rudder,he did a fag packet plan for me,as you may know I dont like spending cash so I make my rudders, for the Springer Tug "Gazunder" the rules say rudder to be no more than 2" square, so I got a piece of brass sheet 2" square and soldered the upright post 1/2"in from the prop side then marked a line 1/2" in from the opposite edge and bent it 45deg,get another piece of brass sheet 2"x1"and bend it at 45deg so that when you put the two together they look rather like a snakes forked tongue,solder these together,blimey I hope this makes sense.I dont have any thing holding the bottom of the rudder but thats up to you.  

ps, There are no moving parts to this rudder. 

Hi Len,

Your explanation sounds interesting, how does it fair in practise on your Springer ?. Even when going straight there would be a force on the rudder (both sides of the tongue) does this not slow the boat down.

As to the Springer 2"sq. (total 4 sq. inches) rudder rule – is your rudder allowed ?, using 2 plates bent into a forked tongue as you describe, you would end up with a surface area of 2"x2.5" (total 5 sq. inches)

Sorry to be a nit picker Len – but never the less it is an interesting rudder and one I’ll keep in my ideas file.

Cheers – Kenny

Cheers Len

They say a picture talks a thousand words – totally confused now – waiting for piccy !

Ken

Fishtail photo is now on my Gallery,

Len               

Sketch of F/T Rudder on its way to my Gallery.

                 Len.

Ps how do I use the "insert a link"thingy ?