The Tanzer 26 is a very well built, fast, and roomy racer/cruiser with a devoted following throughout North America. Most owners will agree that the original design has but one minor yet important flaw: the rudder. Due to its design, heavy helm usually develops when heeled or in any kind of a blow.
The original rudder (see photo) is quite elegant-looking, but the swept back shape moves the rudder's centre of area well aft of the pintles and contributes mightily to heavy helm when the wind pipes up. The seam joining the port and starboard fibreglass shells is prone to leaking too, making the rudder heavy in more ways than one.
In 1996 David Hebden of Duncan, B.C., decided to do something about it and designed and built a new rudder for his own Tanzer 26. It was an instant success, and featured:
1. Better balance - the new rudder had a substantially lighter feel, with less brute strength required on the helm in stronger winds;
2. Better stall characteristics - the new rudder outperformed the old one at low speed and in sharp turns, and in broaching conditions;
3. Better overall efficiency - the higher aspect ratio, elliptical shape, and rounded tip reduced losses.
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"I have been using it for a while now and it's only drawback seems to be that the helm is so light you can find yourself heeled to 40 degrees and still not have a heavy helm.. It sorta creeps up on you. Not very efficient sailing! My wife likes it since the tiller does not drag her around the cockpit any more!" -- David Hebden, designer |
David is generously providing detailed plans for the new rudder for CDN$10.00 (his reproduction and mailing costs) for Tanzer 26 owners who want to build their own rudder. He can be e-mailed at "dhebden@cow-net.com".
For those owners without the time or inclination to build their own, Lost in the Woods Boatworks of Parry Sound, Ontario, manufactures rudders built to David's design. They are glassed wood core and come ready for you to barrier coat, paint, and install your old pintles. Versions are also available for other Tanzers like the 7.5. For more information please call Lost in the Woods Boatworks at (705) 342-1465, or e-mail "rudders@lostinthewoods.ca"
Thanks to an application and presentation by Hal Kingston of the Nepean Sailing Club in 1997, the new rudder is not being penalised by PHRF-LO. Racers in other districts are advised to contact their local measurer to determine status in their area, but this status will probably apply everywhere.
Be sure to visit the Tanzer Class Association web page!
Owners of all sizes of Tanzers are encouraged to join the Association, which is an excellent resource for information and parts, and also publishes the Association Newsletter "TanzerTalk". Associate membership costs only $20/year. There are also links to several other Tanzer sites too, and information on how to join the Tanzer Mailing List.
