Airboat Rudder Tabs

[Chmielowiec]

I have a 16' airboat with the large LS engine and 2'x4' rudder. The boat is pulling hard left and wearing out my arm. My question is what thickness of aluminum should be used to manufacture trim tabs 4"x6" and still be able to adjust the tab so the boat goes straight without having to fight it and the tab not break off. Thanks for any and all replies

 

[John Fenner]

2'x4' rudder or rudders?

 

[kwanjangnihm]

Has the boat always pulled hard to the left or is this a new issue? Have you made any rigging changes?

Can you upload a few photos?

 

[Andy]

The ones on mine are 3x5,, they’re less than a 1/8. These rudders came from Floral City,, 15ft Car motor slight bend to the starboard side when facing rear of boat,,, runs straight with free stick.

 

[Slidin Gator]

I have a 16' airboat with the large LS engine and 2'x4' rudder. The boat is pulling hard left and wearing out my arm. My question is what thickness of aluminum should be used to manufacture trim tabs 4"x6" and still be able to adjust the tab so the boat goes straight without having to fight it and the tab not break off. Thanks for any and all replies

Single tab, 1/16" Thick, 7" tall and 3-3/4" sticking out. Near the bottom of a single 4' x 3-1/2' rudder.

Direct drive mine is bent to Port, but other direct drive is a bit to Stbd. Combine the big single rudder with a windy day and a quick tweak by hand every stop or so can make a windy day much less stressful. We adjust at idle to achieve preferred neutral (hands off) position. On our rudders we find that setting to hold throughout the RPM range (i.e. mash the throttle with hands off the stick, rudder holds position well).

Sometimes the bushes make a quick adjustment on me, that will wake you up!