Rudder alignment how to questions?

[Eddieclemons]

1988 52c /// On my last survey it was mentioned that one of my rudders was slightly toed. Should they be exactly straight ahead? What is the procedure for aligning them? It looks like I could just loosen the collar and turn the rudder shaft and lock it back down? Are there any torque specs or just tight? Is there anything else I need to know?

 

[Eddieclemons]

Current Pictures, First 2 are port and 3rd is STB. Thanks, Eddie

 

[bostonhatteras]

Should be 1/2" or so toe out front to rear. stops chattering. you may have to make a couple more adjustments than just the one rudder and you'll need to do it out of the water. literally put the tape to the rudders

 

[Captain Ralph]

If you have not grounded, backed on anything, hit any logs or had rudder work preformed, Don't worry about it.
If your still on the hill, You can take a tape measure to it a see your self some toe.

Toe (in or out) applies a lil pressure on the rudders to keep them from chattering.
Others believe it helps the boat go straighter.
Others believe it helps the boat in turns.
Still others believe it helps the rudder return to center when running.

Just trust that the rudders will have some toe (in or out).

The adjustment is in that inter-connect pipe. Screw the caps on / off a turn makes lots of adjustment.

 

[osprey]

Toe in or out, they should not be parallel. I drive a 46c HP, mine are toed out 1 inch, so each rudder leading edge is half an inch away from center. Toed out "theory" is the propeller wash creates a bit of pressure between the rudders and provide a slight lift to the stern of the boat.

P

 

[Avenger]

I'd advise 1/4 to 1/2 inch at most. It's supposed to be enough to keep pressure on the rudders. Any more is just drag.

I don't have the numbers at my fingertips right now, but I saw a significant increase in performance when I took excessive toe out of my steering. The splayed-out rudders were like a big speed brake.