The photo shows the stern of Briney Bug with its large transom-hung rudder.
What’s with the big rudder?
If sails are to be used, or for low speed maneuvering, the size of the rudder needs to be considered. The rudder needs to be larger than a typical powerboat's rudder, especially if the prop will not be providing the necessary water flow for small rudders to be effective. This is particularly important when the sails are used for emergency propulsion. This is why the Bug has a large rudder, with the underwater portion of the rudder being about 2 feet wide and 4 feet, 3 inches long.
Being transom hung made the ruder inexpensive to build, easy to install, and easy to maintain. An aft-facing quadrant operated by wire that is connected to pedestal steering was simple and inexpensive to install, and since every inch of it is accessible, it is easily inspected.
A tiller can be shipped for emergencies, in the unlikely event that the steering fails.
—Rudy and Jill Sechez
Here's a bird's-eye view of rudder quadrant. Rudy and Jill designed it, after some consultation with Edson, cut out the pieces and then had someone weld it. The quadrant is a good size and for this boat, Rudy would not change anything about it: "It works great."
Here’s how the Briney Bug story is presented:
What does Briney Bug look like?
What about hull design?
What is the secret to engine dependability?
What’s your advice on replacement parts?
What about diesel engines?
How do you contend with boat motion?
Why do you have a sailing rig?
What’s with the big rudder?
Why do you have an open pilothouse?
Simplicity and self-sufficiency rule aboard Briney Bug . . .
How does one go about finding the right boat?
How much did Briney Bug cost?
Editor’s note: Rudy and Jill Sechez, when they are not away cruising, live aboard Briney Bug in Port St. Joe, Florida, and provide boat and yacht repair services. They can be reached at 850-832-7748 or via e-mail by clicking here.
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