Stellar Rudders

Hi,

Any suggestions where I can buy rudders to suit Stellar boats other than Stellar standard surf and short rudders(I have them) having a little trouble with tracking - I pretty sure its rudder related. Also I'd like to experiment and try and get a little more speed and control.

I have a Stellar SE ( elite layup ) had the same tracking issues ( broaching ) in some conditions. esp steep close following seas,or when catching a ride on large launch wakes etc.Probably conditions that would suit a 6.0m ski instead of the 6.55m SE.This was using the new standard Stellar surfing rudder.
I solved it by supplying this rudder to my local kayak builder / maintenance specialist. He broke down this rudder used the shaft and molded a Epic style eliptical rudder on to it. Slightly over sized.
Perfect result!! No broaching at all,straight tracking even on diagonal wave riding.
So I now use this rudder for all downwind runs, and I use a small weed rudder for flat to moderate water racing.
I have previously done the same on a previous V10sport. And this approach has been well documented on the forum previously. I think the same effect occurs with the Swordfish as Rob has previously reported.
I'm sure the Eliptical rudder has allowed me to gain confidence and acheive more pace at the critical point of catching a wave. This is probably a contributer to reduced broaching as well as the increased rudder efficiency.
Love my SE!!

Thanks Treeman, You have described exactly the sensation...It certainly sorted out the problem I've had with my previous skis. I have an eliptical rudder off my V12 I'll use a shaft of a defunct stellar rudder I have. Hopefully proble solved.

Have you tried the 9" surf rudder? Thats all I use on my SEL, no broaching that I've experienced.

Greg
The standard rudder I'm talking about is the one on the Stellar web site released about 18months ago. This one was a big improvement on the original one. (original rudder had the shaft at the leading face of rudder )
So I then replaced this second rudder (shaft 1cm back from the leading face ) with the Elliptical shape. And I have really noticed an improvement in the predictability of the ski.It's very user friendly.
No doubt my results have a lot to do with my paddling style and ability. I'm in the early steep learning faze of Down wind paddling, and love it.

Yeah thats the std 8" rudder, just making sure you are aware that their is a 9" surf rudder that might be worth a try as thats what its designed for, surf conditions.

I have a 2010 Se which had the original dodgy rudder. I also fitted an Epic 9" rudder and have been stoked ever since. No stalling/ broaching at all.
Cheers

I experienced similar broaching/steering/control problems with my S2E and the 8" rudder. Switched to the Stellar 9" and saw a big improvement in steering/control performance.

Thanks to this thread, if just been out for a paddle in my SES after swapping out the standard rudder for the one off my S2E ( which is the 9" surf rudder).
There was a noticeable improvement both in the ability to track across a wave and in the overall stability of the ski. I think it might be staying on!
However, there must price to pay for all this improvement and presumably that's in additional drag. Does anyone know how much this rudder would affect flat water speeds?

Be very little I would think, if I'm racing my SES on flat water I fit the weedless which is about 4" I think, but have no problems really racing with the latest 8", don't think the difference would be worth worrying about between the 8" and 9" unless you are at the head of the field, then your not going to need the 9" in my opinion anyway and will use the 4" just about anywhere. Only takes a minute to swap them out on the day.

I use the 8" on my SES for everyday use, I use the 9" on my SEL for bigger tricky stuff, never used the 8" on that ski.

BTW, just spotted news of a new SEI, 6.1m long, not sure of the beam, very low volume bow, often thought a SES with a little more width would be ideal size for me.

Looks like the 9"rudder might be staying on for a while then. Now, a SES with a wider beam; sounds perfect for winter paddling.

Kayaker Greg wrote: BTW, just spotted news of a new SEI, 6.1m long, not sure of the beam, very low volume bow, often thought a SES with a little more width would be ideal size for me.

Sounds interesting for me at 5'8" 68kg......

I just put the 9 inch rudder on my new S2E and will be trying it for the first time on my double tomorrow. This winter i used the 9inch on my SES ultra and help significantly. I wanted more stability for safety reasons in the New England winter temperatures. Like everyone else on this thread the 9 inch adds more control, tracking, and stability. Like Kayaker Greg, I have different rudders for different boats, different races, different conditions. The nice thing is that all the Stellar rudders are interchangeable on all the skis unless you have an older double where the shaft is longer than the other rudders.

And yes a new ski by Stellar, I am looking forward getting mine and reviewing it! Exciting!!

Ok, I'm confused. I have a Stellar SR and when i bought it last summer i picked up an 8inch "Surf Rudder" to go with the 4 inch it came with and there where no other options. My 8 inch surf rudder has the shaft about 1/3 the way back from the leading edge. Is there a 9" surf rudder as well that would fit the SR? I don't see it on the Stellar site, or am i missing something?
If so is it significantly different than the 8 inch?... higher aspect?
Or is it just a bigger version of the 8 inch?

Bill

Its a bigger version of the 8" and you might have to ask your supplier for one rather than rely on the website. My understanding is all the rudders are interchangeable on the Stellars but I don't have an SR.

Thanks...

I wonder if Stellar will ever produce an more vertical elipitical rudder along the lines of Epic or Huki.. Hint hint..

Bill

Why?

I know its getting off the topic...but come on Wesley...what is the insider info on the new Stellar, could be just what smaller paddlers need!

Well i don't have any personal experience with them on a ski, but i see that a lot of people seem to like them on the bumps. I do have experience with them on sailboats though. In sailboats they increase steering sensitivity, aggressiveness and increase the angle of stall at higher speeds. Being more balances they reduce the increased load on the rudder as the speed increases. But at lower speeds they can be vague. Too generalize, people who sail fast down wind surfing the swell like the change to elliptical rudders. The reduced loads on the tiller/wheel or autopilot can be dramatic and the increased stall resistance helps in recover from near knockdowns better. People spending a lot of time at slower speeds in light air sometimes switch back to the non elliptical for the better feel needed in light air. I would guess similar forces are at work on a ski. Not exactly the same but similar. I could be very wrong though.. its happens frequently!

Bill

Get yourself a 9" surf rudder, I don't think you will be wanting for anything more.