RUDDER TEMPLATE

Last weekend, I cut a template for the rudder.  The dimensions for the template were taken from the J/30 class specifications and laid out on a piece of plywood.  Then the template was rough cut with a jig saw and finished off with a hand held belt sander.

When the template was laid on the rudder, it was apparent that the rudder was a bit fat in the center.  I think this is a relatively common condition for the J/30 rudder coming from the factory.  In the attached pictures, you can see the profile of the leading and trailing edges of the rudder holding up the template from being able to sit flush on the leading and trailing edges.

I've started to taper the leading and trailing edges by grinding down the fiberglass. I have one side nearly complete and will be starting the other side very soon.