DLBA UNIVERSITY
Rudder Design for High-Performance Boats
JUNE 3, 2017
By Donald L. Blount and Dudley Dawson
Whether steering a straight course or maneuvering, a boat operator must be in control of the boat’s direction. Outboards, outdrives, and some waterjets and surface drives generate steering forces by turning the propulsion unit. Some boats have bow thrusters to assist in low-speed maneuvering. High-speed craft may be fitted with differential; trim tabs or interceptors for steering.
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References
> Gregory, D.L. and Dobay, G.F. , “The performance of High-Speed Rudders in a Cavitating Environment,” SNAME Spring Meeting, April 1973.
> Altmann, R.J., “Rudders for a 50-Knot Planing Craft,” Hydronautics, Inc. Report 509-1, July 1965 (Proprietary).Abrahamsson, S., “35/38M Yacht –Study of Lift-Drag-Ventilating Properties of a Course-Stabilizing Fin,” > SSPA Report 6663-1, August 1992 (proprietary).
> Blount, D.L., “Tuning a Twin-Screw Rudder Installation,” Professional BoatBuilder magazine No. 45, page
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