Whale
Other
Modified Rudder
The rudder on the M26 is of a design that
requires a lot of force on the tiller in order to keep the boat on course when
there is a moderate to strong wind. It is also of a size that it will stall and
the skipper will lose control of the boat as it turns uncontrolably into the wind.
To correct the first problem the rudder blade needs to be moved forward with
respect to the axis of rotation. By moving the blade forward the rudder is more
balanced and the pull on the tiller is reduced.
To correct the second problem
the rudder needs to be larger or shaped better so as not to stall. The rudder
shown in these pictures was made to be 2 1/2" further forward than the stock
rudder. It was also shaped to be a better foil shape and therefore not stall as
easily. It is also 4" longer than the original. I am still experimenting with the
length. Since the rudder is made of wood it is hard to get down because it floats.
I am going to add lead to it solve this problem. 
In the lower photo I am holding the old
rudder in front of the new one. You can see that the new one is 2 1/2inches
further forward and extends 4 inches deeper. This gives much better control.