tie bar for twin rudders

[Willallison]

When using twin rudders, where the rudder post is tilted both forward a little and inwards, what is the normal procedure for installing a tie-bar between them?

[bhnautika]

I found the easiest to fabricate is a u shaped joint with an axil threw the two sides and one down threw the centre. This allows up and down movement and rotation.This should align to any angle.

[messabout]

You can fabricate a universal joint as suggested by Bhnautica, or take the easy way out with a pair of Heim joints. These have a spherical element that rotates and tilts. They are available at your local bearing supply distributor. They are available in stainless too.

[Willallison]

Ah yes - but that's not really the problem - if there is one at all...
If one rudder is actuated (hydraulic steering) and the other is simply turned by means of the tie-bar, then one rudder will turn more than the other, given that they the rudder posts are angled both in and forwards....

[bhnautika]

Sorry Willallison I misunderstood the question. Yes there is a small difference in the angle between the two rudders. This difference would depend on the distance the tie-bar was from the rotation point, the angle of the rudders to the vertical. Take for example two rudders at about 15 degrees to the vertical, 2 metres apart, with say the tie-bar about 650mm from the rotation point. Angle the rudders over to 30 degrees; the difference would be just less than 1 degree.