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Dumd q&a from newbie

Okay remember Iam new at this--I now need a set of rudders--what considerations do I need think about--horsepower,size of boat,or can I put just any old thing I want to on it??????
 
Well it may be just me but I want the best I can get because they are all you have to control your boat and save your butt. I use 4' airfoil aluminum rudders painted by buster at american airbrush for extra strength and good looks. WEll they look stronger any how. Don't cut corners on rudders or the cable that operates them or the stick its hooked too.
 
I ordered mine from Classic Airboats in Cocoa Beach, FL. They have a catalog on-line at http://www.classicairboats.com I'm sure you could call any manufacturer and get a set. Send Faron at American Airboats an e-mail and get a price.

Airboat trader website might have some used ones. I have seen everything from plywood, street signs, sheet metal, and foam filled airfoil rudders on boats in my area. I'd go with foam filled airfoils.
 
rodngun,

PM, (private message our S.A. member David Johnson. He's here in naples and had a good used set of 4 ft. rudders a couple of months back.

Basketcase/Jeff
 
This will be my attempt at sounding smart... if you think of the wing of an airplane (airfoil) as the air passes over the wing it creates negative pressure below it to give it lift. I guess the same physics applies to the rudders. I just think if nothing else they sure look nicer than the sheet metal or wood ones. Our old boat had a single plywood rudder for years and worked ok. Went to dual airfoils and it is completely different. (more responsive) I just looked at airboattrader and there is a set of 4' airfoils on there for I think around $175.00 double check the price. Mine are foam filled and pretty light and tough.
 
Good shot Nebraska,

It's just physics. Plain and simple airfoils are way more effective than flat rudders. I had street sign flat rudders on my first airboat and they would flex to the point I couldnt break myself lose in the mud etc. The airfoils are much more rigid and will turn the boat when flatties wont. It's the difference between manual steering and power steering.

Properly ballanced airfoils are smoothe and easy to turn and make the boat feel smoothe to operate.

Scotty
 
I had flat ones then I got some made at tripale W Airboats in Okeechobee. They was only 3 ft but it it was like drivin a different boat. I'll never go back to flat ones
 
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