Eric et al:
Larry Christie is your man. He too feels the importance of a "spec" rudder as the Idamarine one is. It is built to original drawings that I supplied to them. The original specs do not state a weight or a material, just dimensions. Our rudder weights are listed in another post as I recall and they were not dramatically different for a 7000 lb boat. The one on Blue J is doing well, not as much weather helm as before. Again my feedback has told me that the "OEM" rudders were re-manufactured from a pop mold of the first rudders and thus were thicker. I know mine was thicker by 1+" than the factory spec! A study of the shape will tell you about the stalling speed of the new thinner section is more critical but aren't J30 drivers more critical sailors!? Personally I like a fine groove and feedback that this shape gives me.
If the Holy Fathers would get together and make a determination it would sure help the fleet...oh by the way, isn't that why they are there??!! Fair winds, John
