EPO Rudder Carbon ? and Upper Rudder Casting

Two questions: I am in the process of rebuilding a 97' H16. It appears that the previous owner swapped out the rudder casting at some point and has placed the older non adjustables on the boat. I do not know why given that the tiller system is of the newer designs.

Are the older EPO rudders from mid 80's built of carbon? If not what material was used? How much of a weight diffeence between older EPO's and a new EPO2 set. I know the trailing edges on the new rudders have been perfected and bling factor is there, but i am more interested in performance vs looks.

Has there been any changes in Upper Rudder Casting over the years? Meaning can i take and old casting and simply add a Cam Stop Plate while using the a new upper casting as a template for where to measure and add the slot? Has the under body of the casting changed at all?

Thanks - Bo
Biloxi, MS
97 - h16
83 - h16 sold
87 - h16 sold
87 - h18 destroyed

The original EPO rudders were made using epoxy resin and fiberglass with a foam core. There is no carbon in the original EPOs, the epoxy resin is simply pigmented black.

The refined trailing edge on the new EPOs is not simply a matter of "bling". The trailing edge profile of the original EPOs often caused a distinct humm to occur at certain speeds. This could be reduced or eliminated by filing the trailing edge of the blade. The new EPOs have a refined trailing edge profile so they are ready to go right out of the box.

I'm not sure of the weight difference between old and new EPOs, but if there is one, it's small. Both versions of EPOs are restricted to the 3-pound minimum weight in the Hobie class rules. The general concensus is that the original EPOs are about as good as you're going to get for a Hobie rudder. If you have a pair that are in decent shape, there's really no need to upgrade.

sm