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Testimonial by Mario |
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Hi Joel,
I had the best season ever with my Mac! Thanks to you and your top quality Rudder. Man, that rudder makes a big difference on how the boat handles now in strong wind or with a little too much sail on...
Are you also planning on making dagger board for Macgregor 26D? The original is not heavy enough to go down on its own, too loose in the cavity and it is of poor quality construction.
If yes, let me know the specifications and price.
Mario (-:=
Mac 26D
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Testimonial by Sharon |
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Hi Joel,
I have installed the rudder and tried it out in some fairly heavy racing conditions and also single handing. I am very pleased with it. In heavy winds (for my boat), I did not have to reef sails and she steered with two fingers. Conditions that would have normally had me broaching or constantly releasing the main were easy to handle. I am delighted and rather amazed at what a difference it makes. With my little tiller tender, she self steers very well. My neighbor, who also has a mac. was so impressed I think you will be getting another order from him.
Sharon
Mac 26S |
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Testimonial by JCMullholland |
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Dear Joel:
Installed the stiffner plate and the new rudder you sent me on my 89' Mac 26D on Saturday. We took our time and had no serious problems in completing the modification/upgrade. [The rudder is higher up in the channel than is the stock rudder] Very pleased with final product. Took her out for a test sail on Sunday. We keep our boat in a marina on the Thames River in New London, Ct {at mouth of river}. It was a glorious day here on Sunday, Sunny, 80 degrees, no humidity and steady [mostly] 10 knot breeze. Took the boat out into Long Island Sound, close hauled most of the way. The new rudder worked wonderfully. Feather touch all that was needed to keep the boat on line, even in gusts that would steepen our angle of heel. The improvement from the old clunker rudder was drastic; unbelievable. Now I cannot wait to get out on the water again next weekend.
Sent out today the $23.00 shipping difference. Was going to send out on Friday but decided to send it with a review after Sunday's sail. The check is accompanied by a note from me saying much the same as is said herein.
Thanks so much!
JCMullholland |
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Testimonial by Wes Snyder |
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| Dear Joel,
I recently purchased your Tall M26D rudder. It was the best improvement I could have made!
I read your reviews, but could not have believed them until I tried it out for myself.
We had 15 to 20 MPH gust when I first tried it out. Previously my Mac 1998 M26D would always round up and sometimes even go to the opposite tack, even with the rudder hard over!
Now my boat keeps on course, picks up speed, and I can hold course with my index finger.
I also installed your stainless plate on my rudder castle, and used it to install a 2/1 up/down rudder /jam cleat system.
Thanks again for your fine products,
A satisfied IdaSailor product user.
Wes Snyder
Pittsburgh PA. |
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Testimonial by Lynn Massingham |
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| Joel
I finally got my 26M in the water and sailed it today with 10 - 15 MPH wind. The rudders you had made for me worked GREAT. With the stock rudders I always had a problem in good wind with the boat, it would keep rounding up a lot of times and trying to tack the boat wouldn't come about. Now with yours the problems are gone. It tacked straight holding 35 - 40 degreee list. The boat tried to round up but I turned the wheel and it straightened up and stayed on course. Tacking is no problem going around slow or fast. I can't say what a pleasant surprise they are. I will post this on the Macgregor site. It is too bad Roger dosn't buy your rudders for his new boats...
Thanks again
Lynn Massingham |
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Testimonial by Gus Crowell |
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| The new IdaSailor windows for the MacGregor 25 are a perfect fit and a
"must-have" for your MAcGregor. The original windows from my 1983 Mac 25
were faded, checkered and pink. It bugged me that every time somebody
looked at my boat they asked why the windows were ugly pink! The first
thing I noticed was how clear the new ones were, just like a good pair of
sunglasses. |
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Testimonial by Mike Brzezicki |
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| The tiller I ordered came today and I have to say I am very happy with it, the finish and workmanship are excellent, thanks for a great product. Mike Brzezicki. |
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Testimonial by Don Henfling |
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| Prior to ordering, I emailed a couple of questions and concerns to
you and they were answered thoroughly and quickly so I ordered the Catalina 250 rudder.
It arrived sooner than expected. The fit and performance were very good.
Sailing on the SF Bay is challenging and it is difficult to be completely
objective, but in my opinion, the new rudder seems to significantly reduce
weather helm and makes handling more precise and easier also. It also seems
that we are pointing a little higher with the new rudder. |
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Testimonial by Gary Barton |
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| Am really pleased with the rudder. I didn't expect such a difference in feel and performance. I would recommend them to everyone. |
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Testimonial by Nat Pendleton |
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| Joel.....All is fine with the tiller....Installed her today after 3coats of varnish...Looks great fits great...Thanks for the excellent job to your crew! Fairwinds and good sailing too you and yours, also! Regards, Nat |
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Testimonial by Henry Benjamin |
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| Hi Joel,
A day after I received the rudder I put it on and relaunched the boat and went sailing in a 15 knot breeze with gusts up to 22. I did not reef. This was a fine way to test the new rudder.
It functioned extremely well. For the first time since I have sailed this boat over the last four years in these conditions, when a gust hit, instead of holding on with both hands and bracing with one knee and still being driven up into a moderate luffing position, I was-with one hand on the tiller and only moderate pressure, able to hold the boat on course, even though at this point my heeling angle was over 30-35 degrees. At that angle the lee combing was awash, but the boat still was able to sail a straight course at a good speed. Previously with the barn door rudder I had always assumed that part of the problem was that at this angle of heel that the hull shape through the water was less efficient and was as much to blame as the rudder shape in preventing me from keeping control. The new rudder's performance proves that it was all due to the old rudder and not the change in hull shape through the water.
I tested it on all points of sail. On a close reach where previously the weather helm was very noticeable and the barn door rudder had to be held at a significant angle to keep the boat on course, and the physical effort was high, the new rudder eliminated all these problems. On a broad reach I found I was able to sail a straight course with little effort on the tiller and good control and little rudder angle as well. On a dead run I found I had just as much control as with the barn door rudder and when the wind angle changed a bit and the boat tried to drive to windward I was able to with little physical effort on the tiller, bring it back on course.
I also sensed when sailing to windward that I seemed to be able to point higher and move along better in lighter and moderate breezes as well. Marshall Catboat |
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Testimonial by Craig Nelson |
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| Hello,
I purchased one of your rudders for a Hunter 260 at the beginning of this year. After having sailed with it for a full season, I can tell you that I am very happy with it\'s performance. Also, I am pleased that I should never have to worry about the problems with cracking and water absorbtion that I had with the old rudder. |
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Testimonial by Randy LaRoche |
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| Quick report on my new Ida Sailor rudder blade. Took my V24 out Sat morning at Lake Pleasant with brezzy conditions predicted. My girlfriend and I had one of our best days sailing, 15-20 mph winds, clear, cool (high 60's, sorry), and of course, gave the new rudder a real test. Couldn't be happier, I maintained much better control than ever before, especially in the gusts, with just the right amount (for me) of weather helm. Considered reefing at the start but went with the full main and 85% jib after checking out some of the other boats already out. Perfect combination, hit 8.1 mph (GPS) at one point.
I have much more confidence now in brezzy conditions since I feel I can maintain control at all times. BTW, I replaced a wood rudder blade that was rounded on both leading and trailing edges, no foil shape. I expected improvement based on what I've been hearing on this list, but my expectations were exceeded. Anyway, cut the commercial, you cold weather folks, hang in there, Spring is at hand. Opening Day is a week from today!
Randy LaRoche
1971 V24 - "Freedom"
Lake Pleasant
Phoenix, AZ |
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Testimonial by Gary Le Blanc |
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| Hi Joel, just got the tiller today.... nice looking, great job.
Perfect.
Thanks
Gary |
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Testimonial by Steve Brandes |
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| Joel:
Just had to write after first sail of the year.
WICKED! AWESOME! Hey i just got a new boat!
These are only a few ways to describe the performance of the new rudder.
No more wrestling with tiller, no more rounding up and it improves boat speed. Excellent!!
I LOVE IT!! THANK YOU
Steve
Toronto, Canada |
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Testimonial by Tom Smith |
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| My M17 rudder arrived safe and sound yesterday, Joel. I was pleased with the quality of the materials and the workmanship. Good job. |
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Testimonial by Jeff Kean |
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| I was in a regatta this weekend and on Saturday the winds were 15-20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. I completed 4 of the 5 races that day until the wind and waves were just a little too much (two of the more experienced Catalina 22 boats turned back to the dock just a few moments before I did and I was followed by two more Catalina's a few moments later). Your rudder performance was excellent and made a tough sail a lot easier. It was very satisfying when I finished ahead of some of the Catalina Racers in several races. I did take 1st place for the Open Fleet, but then again it was no feat when your the only boat in the open fleet. Had my time been handicapped (it wasn't due to being my own fleet and racing with the Catalina's) I would have been in the top three with some regional racers on a couple of the races. Still, beating some of the Catalina's was the most enjoyable part. |
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Testimonial by Damon Gannon |
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| Dear IdaSailor Folks,
The Catalina 25 kick-up rudder that you modified to fit our Morgan 22 works wonderfully. We put it together and installed it after work last night and then had the most beautiful moon-lit sail. This rudder has remarkably little weather helm and we noticed that the boat was much easier to control while running downwind with the seas on the stern quarter.
Thanks for all of your help.
Damon & Janet Gannon |
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Testimonial by Darrell Holmes |
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| Joel,
I just wanted to let you know that I loved the CP16 rudder. Not only is it a quality product, but it improved the performance of my 1983 Com-pac 16 tremendously. It improved the performance of my boat so much that I would expect this to be standard equipment on all new Com-Pac boats. I have left a review of the rudder on your site. I have also posted my review on the Yahoo groups Com-Pac site and the Com-Pac owners association site. I wanted to personally let you know, because I was very impressed with its quality and performance. I am also glad you are building these rudders so I did not have to try to modify mine myself. Thanks for a great product for a great boat.
Darrell Holmes
Stephenville, Tx.
1983 CP16 2019 |
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Testimonial by Dan Phy |
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| Joel....Excellent!! I received the new rudder/tiller late Fri. afternoon. A perfect fit....the extra length of the tiller is exactly what I had in mind....As soon as I get a sunny day, I'll send you photos....Best, Dan Phy M15 #318 |
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Testimonial by Chris Remick |
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| The rudder and tiller are awesome. Was able to get out for two days before we left town and I was blown away by how well she behaved. It was like sailing a totally different boat! |
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Testimonial by Bruce Nelson |
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| Thanks Joel, the tiller and pins arrived yesterday, June 20th and look to be
perfect. Please be assured that I am
completely satisfied with the service,it is how a
company responds that is the true test of quality service. To have
another shipment to me this fast is very impressive. After having heard so
much about IdaSailor on the trailersailor website, I was not at all
surprised at the quick response, as you have a well deserved, excellent
reputation. |
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Testimonial by Ed Kremer |
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| My C250 rudder and tiller arrived on schedule. I installed it on my boat and went sailing in some 15-20 MPH wind with reefed main. The boat handling was much improved compared to the 2nd generation kickup rudder, and also was an improvement over the 3rd gen. fixed rudder. Everything fit perfectly and the tiller is beautiful.
Thank you for the beautiful workmanship and attention to detail. I believe I will enjoy my sailing much more with your rudder design.
Ed Kremer |
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Testimonial by David |
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| Wonderful! Received replacement windows for my Mac26 today and had them installed a few hours later - perfect fit. Wow - in this day and age for something to work as advertised is rare - you made a believer out of me. Thanks!!!! |
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Testimonial by Justin Fremin |
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| Joel,
I got the pins in the mail already! Thanks for your great service.
Justin |
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Testimonial by Patrick Maguire |
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| Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with my new rudder.
I decided not to paint it and it looks like that is the way to go. I just lift it out and brush it off once a week.
Having the kick up feature is great. At low tide there are a couple points where it comes in very handy and the original rudder would have been a source of worry. Any one with a Montgomery 17 should consider this upgrade if they plan to sail in shallow water.
Your directions are very good and I was very impressed with the quality of the parts. |
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Testimonial by Dave Hoppe |
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| Joel,
I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with the new Ida Sailor rudder on my Hunter 28.5. It\'s amazing how responsive and balanced this rudder is. We can sail the boat with just about any sail configuration we want and can count on a practically neutral helm. It\'s amazing how well you\'ve counter-balanced this rudder. Even in brisk wind with reefed main only, I could detect little if any weather helm at all. In addition to the performance and handling, another thing we like is how little power the auto-pilot consumes. That's a very big benefit that should not go unmentioned. Add all this to the price and garrantee, this rudder cannot be beat. I would highly recommend it to anyone. In fact, I have recommended it in our 28.5 discussion group that another customer of yours started on a popular website. :o)
Thank you and keep up the excellent work! |
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Testimonial by Lance Jones |
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| Guys,
I installed my IdaSailor rudder on my Catalina 22. WOW! What a difference. It handles so much better than the stock rudder and installed so easily. Great product.
Cheers!
Lance Jones
Catalina 22 |
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Testimonial by Dick Pischel |
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| I said I'd get back to you after I had a chance to put the rudder through its paces and I've done that now and must say I'm pretty impressed. What you notice first and always is that there is no weather helm at all. That hydrofoil simply holds steady until the boat reaches a 50 degree heel and then there's a fair weather helm effect. Most of the time the tiller needs little attention. I know some folks are going to say some safety is lost without a firm weather helm, but I sail solo a lot and I find this rudder really makes things easier. Next, the workmanship; it's just beautiful, especially the tiller. I get a lot of compliments and questions just from the rudder's appearance. I don't have the opportunity to do any racing here so I can't make any comparison to this rudder vs. the original O'Day in that regard, but my gut feeling is reaction is that it is crisper with the IdaSailor; that's just a feeling but after sixty years of sailing that counts for something.You do great work. I'm very happy and will send you customers, I'm sure. Thanks again. |
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Testimonial by Barry Tyler |
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| Joel, sorry its been so long getting feedback to you, but didn't have any good wind in KY, so had to wait till I came to Kansas. The new rudder blade is great, the boat sails very well and is pleasure to steer. She now responds very well. -Barry |
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Testimonial by Paul Hemker |
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| Joel,
Thanks for the prompt production of the FJ centerboards. They look great and we'll be trying them out shortly. I wish we could do our work as promptly as you do.
Paul
H&H Sailcraft |
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Testimonial by Eric |
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| I finished a solo circumnavigation of vancouver island, the first (i think) with an idasailor rudder, and the first in a mac26s solo. 826 nautical miles and 6 weeks. Great fun. On the west coast broached 6 times in bad weather (4-6 meter waves, 25-45 knot winds) dipped the windows in twice, but lived to tell about it. With the stock rudder I don't know if I would be here typing this.
I left with 10 rudder shear pins and used 8, my guess is they last about 150 nautical miles or one crab trap line.
Max speed on the gps 26.4 knots surfing down a wave.
Always wear a harness and use jack lines in the big stuff.
later,
Eric S.
ps. hawaii is only 1480 miles ???? |
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Testimonial by Don Beeker |
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| Hi Joel,
I sailed last weekend with the IdaSailor rudder and it was fantastic! I could not believe the difference in helm. I cannot wait for the stronger winds to see how she really handles.
Your help is appreciated.
Don Beeker
Bradenton, FL |
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Testimonial by Laurence Miller |
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| Joel,
I don't remember if I wrote you about the tiller you made, but it's beautiful, and a perfect fit......... I can't give all the credit to the tiller, but we won the first (only) regatta I've sailed since I got it, beating ALL the boats in my fleet, and all but three in the other two fleets of non-spinnaker boats......... and everybody but three other boats owed us time. Thanks a million for such good service, and a beautiful product..........
Lawrence Miller
Tanzer 26 #535 |
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Testimonial by Scott Damuth |
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| Just wanted you to know that the rudder assembly works perfect. As you probably know from many satisfied customers it now steers like a completley different boat. Thanks. |
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Testimonial by Bill Pfanstiel |
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| We Have sailed for a season with an Idasailor rudder on our CP23/II. I can descibe the way it performs in one word WOW!! The rudder is every bit as good as everyone says it is. Weather helm is managable, the boat points higher, the helm has better balance. I have recommended this rudder to other Com-pac sailors and will continue to
do so.
Bill Pfanstiel
"Sunpuddles"
1987 CP23/II |
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Testimonial by Richard Bishop |
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| Joel, rudder arrived on Thursday. Repair looks great! Thanks again for the outstanding service.
Rich |
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Testimonial by Dr. David Lotz |
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| OK, I have just got to say that I am truly amazed and pleased! I recently purchased a set of replacement windows for my 1983 MacGregor 25 to replace the original windows that have since crazed and turned pink. I read your claims and testimonials about how the holes in the new windows would line up with the holes in boat, but I was still somewhat skeptical. Well, now that the job is done, I have to admit I can't believe how easy it was! I removed all four windows, used a razor scraper to remove the old silicone rubber seal, cleaned the area with isopropyl alcohol, applied a bead of new silicone sealant to the mating surface of each window and installed all four windows in about an hour and a half. The screw holes lined up perfectly - just as you claimed! The job was done quickly and easily and looks just great. Thank you very much for providing a great product.
Warmest Regards,
Dr. David Lotz
Suffolk, Virginia |
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Testimonial by David Hicks |
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| Greetings Joel, I have received and installed the hatch tracks. Wow!
What a great product ... they fit perfectly and look great! Thanks for your help.
David. |
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Testimonial by Darrell Holmes |
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| Joel,
I just wanted to let you know that I loved the CP16 foiled rudder. Not only is it a quality product, but it improved the performance of my 1983 Com-pac 16 tremendously. It improved the performance of my boat so much that I would expect this to be standard equipment on all new Com-Pac boats. I have left a review of the rudder on your site. I have also posted my review on the Yahoo groups Com-Pac site and the Com-Pac owners association site. I wanted to personally let you know, because I was very impressed with its quality and performance. I am also glad you are building these rudders so I did not have to try to modify mine myself. Thanks for a great product for a great boat.
Darrell Holmes
1983 CP16 2019 |
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Testimonial by Gary |
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| The stock Venture rudders were marginal at best. Frankly, I was surprised at what a difference the IdaSailor rudder made. They truly are beautiful, a real work of art. But, the real value is the substantial improvement in performance over the OEM rudders. It's not just the sizzle-there's real steak there!
Gary
Venture Newport 23
Abigail II |
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Testimonial by Greg Bradley |
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| Joel,
I managed to get in one race Sunday in our annual January Portsmouth series.
In the past, with the old South Coast rudder I couldn't even keep up with
the rest of the boats, anywhere from 8 to 12 at a time, let alone compete.
Last Sunday using your new rudder, racing against 10 other boats, we
finished third with our adjusted Portsmouth time. Physically we finished
ahead of both Catalina 22's and a laser. With our adjusted time we actually
beat two Flying Scotts along with the 2 Catalina's and the laser among
others. As for the handling of the boat now, it's excellent. At the start
I stayed well off the line to avoid trouble and in two tacks we had passed
four boats by out tacking and being able to maintain good boat speed on the
turns. I never could do that before. Over all I give my new rudder an A+
and then some. You did a great job, it looks good and works even better. I
look forward to spreading the word to anyone who needs the help as I did.
Thanks for everything.
Greg Bradley
Pelican Yacht Club
Baton Rouge, LA |
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Testimonial by Dave, Sea Pearl Owner |
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| Hi Joel,
I installed the rudder you provided on my Sea Pearl and am pleased to report the results were all I had hoped for. She tracks better and sails with less effort from the helm. I was not able to check for improvement in weather ability but the everglades challenge will give ample opportunity for that. I gave you a plug on the Watertribe web site. |
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Testimonial by George Thompson |
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| The new tiller for my Tanzer arrived today.It is bigger ,better,and more beautiful than the original.Thank you very much for all your help.I will surely pass you on to all my fellow sailors. |
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Testimonial by Tom Bissell |
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| Hi Joel: finally installed the gudgeons and hung the new rudder. Perfect fit, beautiful job. Please give the guys in the shop a big thanks for me. I may end up putting the Mega 30 in storage instead of selling it...I'm having second thoughts about losing this beauty, especially with this new rudder. Thanks again, Tom. |
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Testimonial by Albert Fischer |
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| Jay,
I love this rudder! it greatly reduces the steering effort. I have been in 25+ winds, fully canvassed, and was able to keep the boat (Mac 26S) from broaching in spite of being pretty heeled.
Cheers, Albert |
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Testimonial by Jim Kovarik |
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| To: The nice folks at Idasailor,
Thanks for the new tiller and rudder for my Potter 15. It fits great and looks good on the boat. What a difference it makes sailing. The little Potter seems more responsive and easier to hold course. I love it!
From now on, when ever another sailor harps about the cost of Idasailor rudders, I'll set him straight. They are more than worth the cost!!
Thanks Again,
Jim Kovarik |
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Testimonial by Duane Beaver |
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| I purchased your rudder and tiller for my 1971, 22' Venture sailboat about two years ago and have been very happy with it. My old rudder had broke off while I was beating from Ventura, California to Anacapa Island. From the moment I installed your rudder I experienced a huge reduction in weather helm. In fact last winter I was sailing from Long Beach to Catalina when the wind piped up to small craft warning with 25 Knot winds and 8-10 foot breaking seas. I was never overpowered even though I was carying my 150 genoa. In fact just before entering the Isthmus the mast bent due to my own negligence of not tightening the back stay enough. I was able to sail back to Long Beach with the bent mast, which I later replaced.
Duane Beaver "novelman" |
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.JPG "Mac Hatch Tracks in Teak")
