RUDDERS

Some standard Rudders for vessels from 7 to 50 metres

On rudders for boats, every element protruding from the hull absorbs engine power and it is therefore important that all appendices are duly profiled.

For all activities relating to rudders for boats and yachts, it is essential to cooperate with a company specialising in the marine industry sector.

A company that can respond with the perfect technology and know-how to deal with any issues that may arise, even if extensive maintenance is carried out.

Italian Propellers is a company that has been manufacturing rudders for boats for over 35 years, with characteristics generated by the results of particular hydrodynamic experiences.

Experience and performance to achieve correct dimensioning and profiling of the blade so as to reduce resistance, suction and cavitation.

As in the case of boat and yacht propellers, our productions are the result of extensive craftsmanship and craft-based experience combined with the support of latest generation technologies.

Technology that works for the customer, to deliver outstanding results, especially in terms of performance and details.

Every minute detail of the design of the boat rudders is performed by our in-house team, which carefully selects the materials to be used.

Advanced technology processes are used throughout the design process to deliver superior performance, technology and efficiency over time.

In addition to the design and assembly of rudders for boats, Italian Propellers offers a dedicated repair and refit service, including modifications to customer specifications.

Specifications which aim to improve and optimise all types of deficiencies that can arise on vessels from 7 to 50 metres.

All processing carried out by Italian Propellers, have the possibility to provide a "Certificate of conformity" for all types of boats and yachts.

PROPELLERS

ITALIAN PROPELLERS, PROPELLERS, RUDDERS, COUPLINGS, PROPELLER SHAFTS, STERN TUBES AND BRACKETS

Italian Propellers is a company that designs and manufactures propellers, rudders, propeller shafts,
bushings and brackets, and has over 35 years of experience in the marine industry

Rudder designs for boats

All activities related to the in-house engineering and design of rudders for boats and yachts always start from the characteristics of the vessels.

Width, length, displacement, drive unit and design speed are just a part of the elements useful to the realisation of the final design process.

With the support of state-of-the-art 3D software, the design of boat rudders is enhanced with details and features to create one or more shapes.

Once the shapes have been obtained, from the definition process to the use of high-precision laser machines.

The assembly activities are appointed to the internal team, as it requires utmost care and professional expertise to avoid any cracks.

And finally, before proceeding with the finishing activities, the rudder will undergo a series of laser tool tests to determine the integrity of the assembly.

Every minute detail of the design of the boat rudders is performed by our in-house team, which carefully selects the materials to be used.

Advanced technology processes are used throughout the design process to deliver superior performance, technology and efficiency over time.

The dimensioning of the rudders for motor boats complies with the standards of the various Ship Registers for pleasure boats using the following materials:

• RUDDER STOCK: AISI 630 stainless steel / NIBRAL
• RUDDER BLADE: AISI 316 stainless steel / NIBRAL
• RUDDER TUBE AND BRACKET: OT-MAN alloy

Manufacturing of boat rudders

Italian propellers has been manufacturing rudders for boats, yachts and vessels for over 35 years developing innovative solutions in line with ever changing market demands.

All activities are comprehensively tested by a highly skilled in-house team, using the latest software to achieve certified superior quality.

The same in-house team is in charge of managing all the certifications gained by the Company over the years and also responsible for the manufacturing of:

- propellers
- propeller shafts
- propeller shaft brackets
- flanges
- stern tubes
- mechanical seals
- water-lubricated bushings

The manufacturing of boat rudders is available for various types of vessels, including those in the luxury sector such as the “Riva Yacht”.

The company maintains a direct relationship and a continuous and constant collaboration with Ship Owners, Shipyards and Ship Registers in order to exceed all customer expectations.

In addition to the design and assembly of rudders for boats, Italian Propellers offers a dedicated repair and refit service, including modifications to customer specifications.

All activities related to the manufacturing of boat rudders are designed to improve and optimise all types of shortcomings identified on vessels.

Rudder overhauls

Rudder overhauls is a delicate operation, The rudder is a part of the steering system of a boat and operates through the thrust given by the speed of the water flow.

In order to avoid problems arising whilst sailing, the rudder and all its components require an extensive level of rudder overhaul.

It is essential to engage a company specialised in the marine industry sector and able to respond and handle all the problems that may arise over time using adequate technologies.

The problems that can arise from the use of a boat rudder are changes in direction, speed and the tendency of the boat to heeling, the latter being the most dangerous.

Unpredictable circumstances such as sand banks, impact, getting stranded on rocks and constant propeller stress, especially when the boat spends long periods at sea are fairly common.

Poor maintenance can also cause the propeller or couplings to break, jeopardising the correct sailing performance of the vessel and its sailing in completely safe conditions.

This is why it is essential to have the rudder serviced regularly, so as not to compromise safety on board the vessel whilst sailing and also avoid causing irreversible damage to the boat.

The overhaul of boat rudders is essential and checks the overall operating performance of the entire system, the lubrication of the components and, if worn, the replacement of the same.

It may occur that the rudder stocks start to become harder and even block completely, which depends on the materials, wear and maintenance of the elements.

It often happens that a rudder failure occurs as a result of impact on the underneath of the structure or the galvanic current that slowly sears through the rudder stocks.

Italian Propellers guarantees rudder overhaul activities using the highest quality materials, as well as the replacement, repair and modifications to the blades, stocks, tubes and brackets.

Rudder refit

Italian Propellers also provides a service dedicated to rudder refit to improve and optimise sailing performance with a certificate of conformity for the activities carried out.

Rudder refit involves bringing its hull back to zero, i.e. the submerged part, on which the boat resistance, stability and nautical quality all depend.

The timing for rudder refit depends on the number of anti-fouling layers applied to the hull and whether a different anti-fouling product is to be used.

If a visual inspection detects detached anti-fouling activity, paint bubbles etc, the rudder must be refitted regardless of how many years have passed.

Furthermore, the paint stripping of the hull is extremely useful to check and detect any repairs, micro-fractures, osmosis issues and any treatments concealed by subsequent painting cycles.

As for the hull appendices, especially propellers, shafts, rudders etc., routine maintenance shall be carried out on a regular basis as they are subject to increased wear.

The boat rudder refit process, bringing the hull back to zero, consists of four steps:

- Thorough cleaning of the hull using a pressure washer
- Removal of anti-fouling layers, using a mechanical (with a sander) or chemical (with the use of a paint stripper) stripper method
- Preparation of the primer, as anti-fouling paints need a rough surface to ensure better adhesion of the product
- Application of the new anti-fouling agent which will prevent the formation of organisms on the hull

All these operations are performed by the Italian Propellers team of experts with exceptionally high-quality products, designed and made of state-of-the-art materials and technologies.

Rudder refit procedures are carried out by competent in-house personnel who pay almost obsessive attention to detail, to guarantee each customer a safe and effective product.

Rudder rebalancing

The flaps play a key role in managing the rebalancing of boat rudders whilst sailing, depending on the cargo and sea conditions.

Flaps are literally the “fins” of the vessel, they compensate the balancing of the hulls and can vary their heeling angle using electrical or hydraulic mechanisms.

They are mounted on transom, one at the right end and the other at the left end, to be able to adjust not only the bow settings but also the transverse balance.

The rudder rebalancing, that is, the balance of a boat, depends on a series of factors related to its construction, or external factors such as the masses and their positioning.

To rebalance the rudder of a 7 to 50 m vessel, it is necessary to understand its degree of stability and the dynamics based on the Archimedes principle.

The fundamental points that regulate the dynamics and stability of the boat are the mass centre or centre of gravity and the centre of buoyancy of the hull.

In order to maintain the hydrostatic balance of the boat, it is essential that this operation be carried out by specialists in the marine industry sector with technical skills and state-of-the-art equipment.

Boat movements, i.e. rolling and pitching on one side and metacentre and metacentre height on the other, are essential to maintain a stable balanced condition for the boat.

In order to rebalance the boat rudder, its mass centre must remain below the metacentre, as the higher the metacentre height of a boat, the higher the stability of the same.

The Italian Propellers team, leader in the marine components market, is a serious and reliable partner offering its customers the most suitable and highly customised solutions.

Plus attention to detail, continuous improvement, exceeding the expectations of each individual customer to deliver a high efficiency, safe and reliable product.

Rudder repairs

The repair of boat rudders in the event of a failure is of paramount importance as it is essential safety-wise when positioned in confined spaces.

Careful minute attention should be given to boat rudders during tests and maintenance work, so as not to compromise safety when sailing.

In addition, the lubricated bushings must be checked for wear, signs of corrosion, dry blades and lack of delamination.

Another important factor is the rudder stock, which tends to oxidise in the presence of infiltrations and, at times, even bend as a result of violent impact.

The cause of the rudder stiffening is due to the deformation of the bushings and bearings, which assist the movement of the rudder blade.

It is not uncommon for the rudder blade to be filled with water, caused by infiltrations that, over time, give rise to the almost complete saturation of the rudder.

Italian Propellers guarantees the repair of rudders or their replacement and all other components with superior quality materials and safe and effective products.

Italian Propellers is able to exceed the expectations of its customers thanks to their professional skills, the attention paid to every minute detail and the advanced technology of its products.