Custom 1965 Correct Craft Mustang build

Good news, shaft had only about 1/4 play all directions. Bad news, rudder has a small crack right where the rudder casting meets the shaft casting. Not sure if it's been there this whole time or if it's been developing, definitely has something to do with the bend. I don't know where I could find somebody to take a look at welding it but don't feel too comfortable about using it now. Camera couldn't pick it up, it's about 1/8 deep, looks like it's tearing

I had a prop shop look at mine they thought they could straighten it. they gave it bck to me in 2 pieces

Jim,
Did you check the size of the port needed?

Jim,
I gather the prop shop you took your existing rudder to said they couldn't fix it. If so, I'd suggest trying another shop.

peter1234 wrote: doesnt Glen-L have an assortment of rudders?

They do but wow, $$$ and some are chrome platted steel!

Buck Algonquin has more

I'd sure look into the repair first.
Jim,
Do you have a picture of the rudder you can post so we can take a look at how bad it is?

JoeinNY wrote: I would be leaning heavily towards a “speed rudder” in that boat.   The stock rudders work well for lower speed maneuverability but they have a tendency to suck air and stall, that coupled with a low nose and hard chines likes to flip the boat around as previously discussed. One remedy employed successfully on several fast 16 foot boats around these parts is a speed rudder or a hybrid design rudder. They are less available than they used to be but if you keep your eyes out you will find one.   A plate behind the rudder to prevent sucking air might help as well.

Joe, I am interested in the speed rudder also. Saw some listed and I don't see why a stock one could not be reshaped into a speed type. Looked as though it is a case of removing stock and re-contouring as opposed to adding material. Explain the plate behind the rudder also. PM me if you don't want to go into all the details on this site. I can give you my cell # if needed. Also have thought about "softening" my chines. Thoughts??

Good reading material Joe. Thanks,

Hm, interesting. As far as driveability at high speed it steers quite nicely, but the thought of rudder stall is always at the back of my mind.

I'll run my rudder by my prop guy, but the thought of fixing the crack doesn't really make my socks go up and down.

I could make a rudder plate pretty easily, so I might just do that for kicks.

I have a buddy that has a rudder from a '85 tique I was going to check out.

I was also thinking about the rudder that century put on the small v drive Arabians and Marks, those are about 17ft boats capable of 50Mph+, seems like it would be pretty close in specs to what I'm looking for

I think that's the same rudder I posted in my pic. Did you get the port too?

Gary S wrote: I think that's the same rudder I posted in my pic. Did you get the port too?

I have terrible news, the rudder is off a... Mastercraft haha.

I'll now have parts off a Century (ladder, exhaust outlets) Chris craft (step pad frames) and Mastercraft

Just finished testing the trim tabs, writing this from my hospital bed...

Just kidding

This upgrade couldn't of been more of a success, I went on the first run with my boss, got it up to about 42mph when it started porpoiseing, lowered the tabs a little and boom gone! We both looked at each other like F#ck yeah, fixed! Trimmed it out a little more and brought it up to 53mph. It felt more stable than it ever had.

Only 2 cons I can think of, there's a huge jet boat like ploom that pops up when you start trimming and I'm not a big fan of how they look. Might paint the actuators white. I'll take a video today

Patiently waiting for the video! Good to hear they worked and here is to hoping they continue to do so safely!

DVskier wrote: Someone check on Pete. I think he might have passed out.

No, I'm still here! I just got home from wearing the orange apron all day. The DIY'rs were nuts today!!!

I'm waiting on the video as well and certainly hope the tabs work out especially from the aspect of safety.

Sorry it's been pouring here most days, might clear up Tuesday. Had 5 people in the boat and it felt great at 52mph