rudder design - old sailing vessels

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

  1. JerryWo
    Joined: Jun 2014
    Posts: 5
    Likes: 0, Points: 1, Legacy Rep: 10
    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
    Posts: 242
    Likes: 66, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 10
    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
    Posts: 640
    Likes: 212, Points: 53, Legacy Rep: 160
    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
    Posts: 175
    Likes: 35, Points: 28
    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
    Likes: 35, Points: 28
    Location: Canada

    Flotation Senior Member

Loading...
Similar Threads
  1. Dave_S
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    1,926
  2. Dave_S
    Replies:
    7
    Views:
    2,585
  3. WildCard
    Replies:
    20
    Views:
    7,176
  4. DennisRB
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    7,349
  5. Cow Cocky
    Replies:
    11
    Views:
    1,875
  6. rubenova
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    1,587
  7. seandepagnier
    Replies:
    16
    Views:
    4,042
  8. Claudio Valerio Parboni
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    1,771
  9. 23feet
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    2,924
  10. Howlandwoodworks
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    3,454
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.