mmiller wrote:
Another issue is over-steering ... the blade turns too far, water flow detaches and then finally catches and steers the boat the other way. This can cause a snake-wake feel in steering. Be gentle, try not to over-correct. This was the primary reason we made the drum bigger... takes more input to make the rudder turn, but there is only so much we could do with that. The housing limits the drum size.
Don't get me wrong either...
Personally, I think the rudder could be a thicker foil, that helps keeps the flow of water attached. It could be longer, but would stick out the back when in the up position. We always try to improve the products, so we do listen to hear what is, and is not working.
Matt - Thanks for your feedback. I agree with islandspeed2001, it's a very unique fishing platform which I do love, and I understand certain design improvements do come at a cost. I suppose it's not that much different than driving (hands on the wheel), I am just accustomed to not having to do that on other hobies. So there's a bit of an adjustment there. I'm a multi-tasker by nature so I tend to want to do other things when commuting
I would like to explore the longer rudder, I also think that could help. I don't think the fact that it would stick out the back would be that big of a deal. Just have to be extra careful loading/unloading. For west coasters with long commutes in deeper/choppier water any little bit helps.