Introduction
Limiting the DF65’s rudder angle? Really? Why? And there’s a tool for that?!
Yes, limiting the rudder angle is the right thing to do. Big boat or small, constraining the angle to 35 degrees is essential – push your rudder beyond that and your rudder starts to become a brake, slowing your boat down.
Why Rudder Angle Limited to 35 Degrees ?
Ref. #2
- Beyond 35 degree rudder efficiency is reduced due to formation of eddies on the back of rudder as the flow is no longer streamlined. This is called stalled condition.
- The manoeuvrability does not increase beyond 35 degree, but rudder torque increases and ship’s turning circle increases.
DF65 Setup
A typical servo for the DF65 will have a useable range of 110 – 130 degrees, so limiting this is important. Fortunately, to help, there’s a useful setup tool available via Thingiverse; user ‘Yotter‘ has uploaded a useful set of tools and sailing-related items.
Yotter’s “DF65 Rudder Angle Tool” is a simple but effect bit of kit to help set the limits of travel for your rudder. Download the file and print on a suitable 3D Printer; then using tape, temporarily affix to you hull during setup.
Use your transmitter’s End Point settings to set the maximum range of the rudder, using Yotter’s Rudder Angel Tool as your guide.
