Rudder modifications

[Chuck Powell]

Has anyone done modification on the rudderof a Mac 1987 25'to reduce weather helm?

[John Pruitt]

Dear Chuck; Changing the rudder will not improve weather helm. The M25 has weather helm designed into it for safety. If a big puff hits the boat while you are on the wind the boat will round up and head into the wind. Weather helm is a case of balance between the center of effort of your sails and the center of lateral plan of the hull.You can make the weather helm more mangeable by replacing the rudder blade with one a little bigger with 17% of the total area in front of the pivot line. This willl make the rudder a balance spade and you can steer the boat with two fingers.

[Chuck Powell]

Hi John Pruitt,Do you have a drawing on making the rudder 17%bigger. Thanks for help.