Motoring with rudder down

[Catigale]

I often take my boat somewhat up over the recommended 6 mph under power (maybe 8-10 tops) and find that it tracks a lot better with one rudder down. When I do this Im concious that I am potentially loading the rudder with a lot more force than its designed for.....my rationale is if Im not cutting it back and forth like a wild man then I am mitigating the loading.

Am I in dreamworld awaiting imminent rudder failure??

[James V]

I thought that the X's was rated for 8 mph?

However, it is always a good idea to carry a spair incase you loose one at the dock.

I do the same up to 8 mph.

[NiceAft]

Unless you're an engineer who has actually done the testings, the best anyone can come up with is an educated guess.

If you use a standard deviation of plus and minus 2, eight MPH is within reason. Just a guess

Ray

[K9Kampers]

I only started doing this on my last cruise, as I never needed to before, and found a profound difference in tracking. I would think that there'd be less stress on the rudder motoring forward at 6-10 mph than there is sailing at 6-7.

Cat-
If you want to try any wild man dreamworld theories, you can borrow my canted performance rudders!

[Currie]

My personal feeling is that, as soon as you surpass hull speed, the motor is pushing the water at the transom a lot faster than your boat is traveling - with the rudders only 12" away. It probably puts an inward strain on the two rudders as the water shoots between them - JMHO. But as to what they can handle? Hmmm - only one way to find out

~Bob

[JustSail]

I do this as well.

I don't think there's a big difference between sailing at 7mph healed over 20 degrees and motoring at 8-10 mph in a straight line.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

I do this as well.

Me too. I have to motor in congested boat traffic from our Marina to the Galveston Bay, and often feel better boat control if a sudden slow down manuever is necessary. Some boaters in my area seem to enjoy watching the scenery more than staying alert in boat traffic. On weekends, the traffic in our channel toward the Bay is very congested. (its is fun though, everyone waving & grinnin') Seriously, though, the rudders down for me work well in these cases.
However, when I reach the open bay in less boat traffic, the rudders are always up when motoring.

[mikelinmon]

Hi,

I was about to say "don't do it" but last letter said "proof is in the pudding" In way of worst case, the rudders are cheap. The failure will be in bending of the ss rudder heads, just like the old X aluminum heads. The switch to ss rudderheads must be enough to make the 8-9 mph OK for rudders down. So, I take back instruction to all, Was lift rudders at 5-6 mph changed to 8-9 mph.

Miike Inmon

[DaveB]

I have the original aluminum bracket and tho this 1997 X is new to me have gone over 100 miles so far under power with both rudders down and cruised at 6.2 knots and have tested up to 8 knots.
I wouldn't do more than 7 knots for extended periods and perfer 6.2-6.5 knots.
I have also let down about 8 inches of centerboard and this works well in tracking, holding a course in seas less than 2 ft.
I am now in the prosses or regellcoating my rudders and putting in a copper or stainless sleave in the rope to rudder attachment.
I also want to add Lead to the bottom of rudder inside and resin over to seal off water thru the rope to rudder connection. I just don't want water inside the rudders.
Dave

I often take my boat somewhat up over the recommended 6 mph under power (maybe 8-10 tops) and find that it tracks a lot better with one rudder down. When I do this Im concious that I am potentially loading the rudder with a lot more force than its designed for.....my rationale is if Im not cutting it back and forth like a wild man then I am mitigating the loading.

Am I in dreamworld awaiting imminent rudder failure??

[Scott]

I also motor continuously with Both rudders down. I don't go very fast but after many many years I am still on the stock rudders and mounts.

Ive done more damage to my rudders dragging them up the ramp than I have by motoring with them down.

[TonyG]

I have on two occasions travelled at over 15 mph with rudders down after leaving the marina on my 2005 M. Both times for five minutes or more before realizing it. There was no damage either time. It included several sharp turns.

[tlperrine]

As I don't have the manual handy, what does it say to do? I don't usually push it beyond 7 or 8 knots. Thanks for help on this.
Terry

[Compromise]

I have on two occasions travelled at over 15 mph with rudders down after leaving the marina on my 2005 M. Both times for five minutes or more before realizing it. There was no damage either time. It included several sharp turns.

Interesting......
There was a thread a while back with somone hitting (on a broad reach)
8-10 knots. The same question arose.
I cruise the same water as Louis and get the heeby jeebies during rush hour traffic to the bay if I see my GPS reading anything over 6 knots. This thread makes me feel a little better. Watch me get too cocky and bust a rudder now

[Compromise]

As I don't have the manual handy, what does it say to do? I don't usually push it beyond 7 or 8 knots. Thanks for help on this.
Terry

I don't have it on hand either, but if memory serves me correctly, it says don't motor over 6 knots with rudders down.

[kmclemore]

Well, I gotta say... I wouldn't do it. God forbid you hit a submerged log or somethng - at that speed you'll do a whold lot of damage. It may handle a wee bit better but I can't see how it's worth the risk.