rudder shape

[Randy Jr]

So do the rudder's need to be tear drop shaped or what i see lots of them on here look like tear drops and then i see some that just look like an old peice of plywood or something what should they look like

<,',',') :::::::::::::
this or this
<',',',) :::::::::::::

 

[goldhunter_2]

some of the old rudders are basically flat sheets with a frame though I don't think they offer as good of control the PB are a tear drop shape (round on one end and flat on the other) but most are using the new style airfoil rudders witch have a point front and back but bubble out in the middle.
the first picture is a PB rudder tear drop shape the 2nd in a newer airfoil made by hammit airboats

 

[boobidges]

the wider airfoils seem to respond and control better.its essentially a wing.the wider airfoil sorta developes lift on either side .but size is also very important.a 24"x48" rudder is going to control better than one thats 12" or 18" x 36" or 48".you just have more area deflecting air.i went from 24"x 48" apache rudders (which are a thin airfoil)to 24" x 36" wide airfoils from southern enterprises,and the boat handles way better,less throw to turn,and they balance better.they're also more expensive,and much prettier.lol.they both got me thru the cypress.

 

[Randy Jr]

so how do u think would be the cheapest and easyest way to make a set of rudders like that the () shaped ones you said performed good

??

 

[boobidges]

theres nuthin easy or cheap about airboat'n.sorry.does your boat steer okay now?big flat rudders steer okay.i paid about $350 for mine.like i said,they're perfect.i made some once by bending a 4x4 sheet of .090 alumn. in 1/2 @ 90%,then 45% 1inch back from the 90%,then bending the ends till they met and riveted them.then i had ends welded on.total cost,material and labor was probly around $400.and they were heavy.if want cheap,probly start watchin the classifieds.good set of used rudders oughta run about $200.sorry.

 

[Waterthunder]

Hammant Air Boats INC sells some killer very light airfoil rudders pretty dang cheap!

 

[CONTINENTAL CRACKER]

IF YOU HAD 400 BUCK INTO BUILDING YOUR OWN RUDDERS. YOU COULD HAVE SAVED MONEY AND TIME IF YOU BOUGHT THE AIR FOILS FROM HAMMANT. I JUST BOUGHT SOME AND THINK I PAYED 300 FOR THEM.THEY ARE THE ONES IN THE SECOND PICTURE.THEIR NUMBER IS 321-259-6998 ASK FOR WADE

 

[cowboy]

Here's some rudders Grass Assassin built for his boat recently.
Flat sheet, bolted to a tube. The riveted the perimeter.

He says he LOVES THEM!
They ain't gotta be fancy to work well, if they are set up right.

 

[Randy Jr]

now thats what i wanted to see cowboy know bout what thickness sheet metal would be good enough for a mini with 25 hp motor no need to have huge 400 rudders when your boat cant even push that kind of wind