rudder design - old sailing vessels

Discussion in 'Hydrodynamics and Aerodynamics' started by JerryWo, Sep 1, 2022.

  1. JerryWo
    Joined: Jun 2014
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    Location: Port Kinsale Marina, VA

    JerryWo Junior Member

    I'm curious - I have a home-built rudder on my sailboat that uses a foil shape.
    When did boats begin using "proper" shapes on rudders?

    Jerry W
    Warrenton, VA
     
  2. rnlock
    Joined: Aug 2016
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    Location: Massachusetts

    rnlock Senior Member

    One thing that had to happen first was separating the rudder, or the rudder and skeg, from the back of the keel. But I don't know when they started in with proper foils.
     
  3. Doug Halsey
    Joined: Feb 2007
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    Location: California, USA

    Doug Halsey Senior Member

    Manfred Curry (in Yacht Racing, The Aerodynamics Of Sails) reports experimenting with streamlined rudders & centerboards, possibly as early as 1922.
     
  4. Flotation
    Joined: Jan 2020
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    Location: Canada

    Flotation Senior Member

    Viking ships, Polynesian proas and Chinese junks had separated rudders.

    After a quick search I found this picture of the original(?) rudder of the Oserberg Ship, constructed around 800AD. It seems to show some foil like shape but the picture does not give a definite answer.

    The rudder and stern of the Oseberg ship https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-ab9a-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

    Oseberg Ship - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oseberg_Ship

    It's an interesting topic, tomorrow I'll try to find some more examples from early rudders.

    Edit I'm not completely sure the rudder in this picture is original. Most of the wood in the hull is but the rudder doe
     

  5. Flotation
    Joined: Jan 2020
    Posts: 175
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    Location: Canada

    Flotation Senior Member

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