Rudder Adjustment "tow"

[390Express]

I have read that rudders aren't supposed to be exactly parallel, and that one should be towed "in" a little. Mine aren't perfectly parallel, but one is towed "out" a bit.

Should this be corrected before launch? Boat is a 1996, 390 Express, if that matters.

[Viper]

When you say toed in, I'm assuming you mean one is turned in a direction more than the other as if you were turning the steering wheel? Depending on the design, it can be both ways; toed in or out as far as turning in or away from each other, or they can be toed in or out from a perfectly vertical position when they leave the hull. Turning in or away from one another is usually an adjustment to compensate for poor steering performance in reverse but adjusting too much will affect performance moving forward. Thre is a spec for these but unless the difference is exagerated and you don't notice any issues with manouverng or performance, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

If you have a manual, it should tell you in there or give Carver a call with your hull number and they should be able to give the spec. If it has to be fixed, it can be adjusted while it's in the water. The arms should be at 180* to the rudders so you should be able to tell from the inside which direction each rudder is facing. It's also good to see it from behind the boat but I wouldn't stress over it or let it hold up your launch.

[390Express]

Thanks Viper, I was told that the tow in was used to get more "bite" out of the rudder, and keep it from being sloppy in slower speeds. Makes sense that works both ways (adds bite if it's towed in or out). The boat had no damage to the rudders, I'll leave them as-is for now.

[km1125]

Here is what it looks like in my book: (for an 83 3607)

Carver_rudder_tow_adj_text.jpg

Carver_rudder_tow_adj_diagram.jpg

[Viper]

I agree with the above statement. What I was referring to is the adjustment of one side toed in or out more than the other by a degree or less, not noticeable while under way but helps in reverse apparently.

Are your rudders perfectly vertical/parallel to each other or do they kick in or out a bit sideways at the bottom?