Wa'apa Outrigger Sailing Canoe Build

Question: has anyone used a lining on the inside of the cassette rudder? So the blade slides easily. I'm thinking felt. I have read where some people have used felt. It might not hold up for long however.

 

It is cassette rudder almost identical to one used in Michael Storer's boats. Check out Goat island skiff and Oz goose groups on facebook to find what works the best.

 

I reckon I'd consider PTFE plastic sheet if you want a low friction liner.

 

I see Michael recommends using seat belt webbing. So I'm going to try that.

 

Today I recut the hole for the mast since it is square. Starting to look like a real sailboat!

I'm going to line the mast step with seat belt webbing so it does not scratch the finish of the mast.

 

Now I'm trying to think of how to handle the halyard at the top of the mast. Since the gaff will be sitting right at where the halyard attachment is, it may rub a lot and so if it is a pulley it may damage the gaff over time.

So I'm thinking either drill a big hole with some bushings through the mast, or install Michael S halyard ring assembly. Thoughts?

 

A low friction ring would be slightly more expensive than a ss ring but well suited for this situation.
You would loose a little 'headroom' using a thimble but it's what I'd probably use.

 

Thanks for the recommendation. A thimble is designed just for that purpose.

 

Now it's time to align the iakos and install a short locator dowel into the iakos above the rail. Lashings will go around and on either side of the dowel and hold the iakos in place and prevent it from sliding. I have the center line of the hull marked out to determine where to drill and install the dowels.

 

I temporarily installed the rudder to measure the necessary length of the tiller extension. I'm making it out of a mop handle.

 

I'm putting the dowels on the side of the iakos instead of on top. That way I can stack the beams on top of each other and they'll fit snugly when transporting.