[beezlebob]

Has anyone put on Bigger Rudders for a 1996 3100 Open? I'm hoping that will give me better control when trolling at slower speeds. THANK YOU

[Chris Burkard]

I'm sure that it can be done, but enlarging the rudders for low speed handling may cause adverse handling at higher speeds. The other issue is your steering system was designed for your current rudders. Larger rudders will increase the stress on the system at higher speeds.

I'm not saying that it cannot be done, but the money spent to upgrade the rudder system may be wasted if the affects cause unforeseen issues. Your money would be better spent on a high speed auto-pilot system to keep the boat straight during trolling.

[jrmarohn]

I extended the rudders on my 1998 2900 Open. It is commonly done in the Great Lakes because we troll at speeds from 1.8 to 3.0 mph. It is hard for an auto pilot to hold at these speeds in anything but light to moderate seas. The steering gear is pretty beefy but I did add some backer plates on the bolts the secure the I beams to the stringers. A local welder did my work and did a great job. He has a formula in regard to how much to add to the back vs the bottom. The performance improvement is significant. Message me if you want more details.

[blrunner]

Sorry I didn't see your post sooner, I haven't been on this site in a while. I have a 1998 3100 Open and I did have my rudders extended on the bottom and the aft part of the rudder, it works great at trolling speeds and with auto pilot trolling. I'm not sure of the measurements but if you wold like them I can get them for you. I had solid bronze welded on them and the machined and it wasn't cheap. Good luck