Home made rudder for Trident 13 and prowler 13

Hi all,
As the strong tides would coincide with the start of the tope season, the trident would be brought out of retirement.
But the trident really needs a rudder for the strong tide and cross winds that are a far to common occurrence at this time of year in Donegal.

So as per usual it was out to the shed for some tinkering.
I had an old template from the last time I made a rudder, but it needed some refinement this time around.

What I used for this build. The majority of the rudder was made of stainless steel picked up from a scrap yard. Also some 15mm nylon cutting board to make the side wheels for making the lifting mechanism on the rudder blade.

Below is the measurements for making the rudder.
I have welded the side cheeks and rudder pin. You can bolt them on if you don't have a welder.
Here are the full measurements/dimensions. And a step by step guide how I made it.

Here is the rough template, it was just a rough guide. Obviously the rudder blade.

 

Above is the base plate.

The bend at the top is for the rudder keeper and for holding the blade in place while in use.

Here is the first cutting of the rudder.

I say first cutting as when using an angle grinder you are better to cut in straight in straight lines rather than trying to cut a curve as you will just end up smashing cutting discs.

To get the shape you want just cut your straight lines as tight to the shape as possible. Then finish it with a sanding disc on a grinder.

 

Working out the wright size of centre wheel for the rudder lift.

The rudder blade and base plate cut and cleaned up, also the lift pulley wheels cut out.

Measuring up for making the side plates. Lucky enough the piece of scrap I got has a bend down the side, So I just have to cut and drill the side plates.

                                                MIND YOUR FINGERS
Once you cut out the 2 pieces using a whole cutting saw, you need to cut even grooves around the 2 pieces. I done this by closing the vice with a pin trough the centre of the piece so it can spin freely.
Then I put a thick grinding disc in the grinder. Simply place the disc against the piece of nylon. The piece of nylon will spin very fast once the disc touches it. All you do then is slow the piece down by gently pressing a piece of wood against it and it will then start to cut an even groove as it spins.

If you have not taken the fingers off yourself you should have 2 nice pieces like this.

 The 2 lift pieces are ready to fit. They need some fixings to stop them spinning when you are trying to lift the rudder. I used 2 SS screws. I counter sunk the screws.

 Simply place the 2 circular pieces either side of the blade and bolt together and then screw trough both pieces. You are now ready to add the side cheeks.