Rudder Adjustment 2007 40MY

[RIVERDAZE]

I wrote this once before without signing in so if two posts come in I apologize. During the haul out survey I noticed the port rudder was toed out 5-8 degrees (my guess) and the starboard was straight on. WOT on QSB 425's was 3000+ so didn't seem to drag or wander. It just appeared to me not to make sense although I read some opinions for toeing in or toeing out rudders to prevent fludder and wandering. Before I correct this, if indeed it needs correction, does anyone have experience with rudder adjustment specs from Sea Ray? Rudders are solid with no other mechanical issues. No sign of impact either.

 

[480ces]

My 390MY was similar from the factory.

The trailing edges were farther apart which provides bow lift. We corrected them to trailing edges slightly closer, which provides stern lift. We did this at the same time as some prop work, so its hard to say the performance difference but I'm pretty sure we gained a little.

You'll probably need to adjust the tiebar length.

 

[RIVERDAZE]

Thanks, I'll plan for an adjustment when hauled out for a bottom job. The main concern I had was the starboard rudder was straight-on and the port was noticeably towed out. Seems adjustment must be symmetric, both with same angle.

 

[480ces]

Thanks, I'll plan for an adjustment when hauled out for a bottom job. The main concern I had was the starboard rudder was straight-on and the port was noticeably towed out. Seems adjustment must be symmetric, both with same angle.

You probably didn't have the steering strait. Measure the steering ram full port and full starboard then centre it. Adjust the tiebar for toe and the rudders if needed. The Starboard is a PAIN to get to.

 

[RIVERDAZE]

Good news, the port is the one that may need adjusting, But and a big but, your point is well taken however. As JMwarren stated towed out, bow up. The steering could actually not have been centered and turned to port slightly. If straightened out by turning to starboard, the port will move to the center slightly and the starboard to the outside slightly netting a centered "toed out" adjustment. Much good information here guys, thanks. I'll be careful before making any adjustments.

 

[480ces]

I'm curious how your running attitude is? Prior to adjusting out rudders we felt stern heavy, there was a noticeable improvement.

We've got the heavier motors thought they are midship so I'm not sure if the weight makes a huge difference, it may even work in our favour?

 

[RIVERDAZE]

I'll be running her more in the coming weeks so will take particular notice on hull attitude, but during sea trial and pre purchase runs at 3/4 to WOT i used little or no trim. I have heard this hull, with the QSB425 may not need trim after plane so maybe the rudders are adjusted correctly, toed out a few degrees. If anything changes I'll let you know.