[farfetched]

I have heard that many of the Tiara 3100 owners that have the small rudder have increased the size of the rudder to allow better control at the slower trolling speed used on Lake Michigan.

Has anyone added and extension, is there a source for the extension and what were the results

thanks for your help

[Krookodile]

The extension won't get the control better.

[reeltimebrad]

I made a set for my boat out of 360 stainless and bolted to the back of the existing rudders there easily removed if not wanted. They definitely improve autopilot control when trolling on one motor. I'd post pics but don't see a way to do it.

[Steve L]

I have a 1998 31 open which I bought over the winter. My friend has a 1995 ft taria open and he extended his rudder 4" and tool me that this improved his  control while trolling on Lake Michigan which help a bunch. He also  suggested that I go 5". I am getting a piece of S.S. made up 10" x 8" which I will lap on the existing rudder 10 " x 3 " . What is the existing rudder made of as I will be bolting the S.S. to ?

Thanks

[rcwiegand]

I have a 1998 31 open which I bought over the winter. My friend has a 1995 ft taria open and he extended his rudder 4" and tool me that this improved his  control while trolling on Lake Michigan which help a bunch. He also  suggested that I go 5". I am getting a piece of S.S. made up 10" x 8" which I will lap on the existing rudder 10 " x 3 " . What is the existing rudder made of as I will be bolting the S.S. to ?

Thanks

I bought a new 2004 35 Open and the auto pilot would not hold course in the wind when trolling with one engine.  I contacted Tiara and after much discussion and providing data that Sea Ray made larger rudders for my previous boat (37 Express) which demonstrated similar problems, Tiara agreed to install rudders from a 42 Open.  Problem solved-I can now troll into the wind on auto pilot with one engine with no issues.  Also maneuvering in harbor at low speeds improved exponentially.  In both boats, larger rudders made a HUGE difference.

[reeltimebrad]

Your existing rudder should be made of bronze with a stainless shaft. Your in freshwater so won't be a problem using 316 ss screws. How thick of a plate are you bolting on? I did that with a friends searay years ago using 1/4 inch plate but its not very hydrodynamic. Best to bolt into the back of the rudder or have bronze welded onto the back or go with a larger rudder all together. I have even seen custom all stainless rudders. Don't let anyone tell you it won't help, they aren't trying to slow troll with one engine.

[Steve L]

Thanks, I am using 1/4 “ S . S with 3 - 3/8 bolts and I already bolt on to the outside of rudder. Maybe I want to remove and bolt to the inside of each rudder?

[reeltimebrad]

I don't think it would matter which side of the rudder you bolt to just be cautious the first few times out when on plane. Be aware that this may have altered the way the boat handles especially when turning and in a downsea. 5 inch extensions may be too much, but you can always cut a little off if you don't like it.

[rcwiegand]

Tiara advised me not to put extensions on the rudders as the rudder shafts are designed (may break) to snap with a high side load. That is why we went with rudders from a 42 (larger rudder).