H16 rudders

What is the difference between the white and black rudders, which is better ? Once heard of a racer who broke a rudder, used a piece of plywood to replace, & won the race, is it possibe to make one from wood, sand to shape, water seal & it work ?

"Classically", the white rudders are made of plastic and the black ones are foam-fiberglass. These days, the foam-fiberglass ones could be any color from white to black to carbon-fibre textured.

In general, the foam-fiberglass ones are far superior to the plastics. The plastic ones are far more flexable and weaker, prone to snapping off below the rudder casting. The foam-fiberglass are stronger, less flexable, and far less likely to break.

As for wood, it would be far too weak for anything but a temp fix. You could, if you wanted, make a wood blade and fiberglass over the top - this would be heavier than a foam-glass blade but probably strong enough.

If someone wants to dig out the old post by JaimeZX where he made a new wood/foam/glass composite blade and link it? It sounds like more trouble and cost than just trying to find a good pair of glass racer blades.

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Tim
Unofficial Fleet 72 Communications Officer and Div 4 Webmaster
http://www.hobiefleet72.org
http://www.div4.hobieclass.com/

I believe newer boats come standard with white polyester EPOs. I'm not sure what year that started.....

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2005 Hobie 16 - Ventura Nationals Boat #21
http://www.JackieandAlan.com