'Lo All,
The rudder post construction as described by Phil is not what is used on
our "Taiwan-built" Albin 43 Sundeck. The Albin 43 has heavy stringers that
run on both sides of the engines for the entire length of the boat - 4
total. At the stern they are about 4" x 9", some places they are much
deeper than 9", more like 15"-18". (I have not measured them.) The tops
form level platforms for mounting various things such as engines, so the
inner two stringers are, of course, much deeper (?higher?). The rudder post
upper supports are mounted into a 1/4" thick SS "U" channel, which rests on
the stringers and are bolted to them on each end. They show no evidence of
any movement.
There is also an emergency tiller stored in a rack just above the rudders.
It consists of a long SS shaft that engages the square top of the starboard
rudder (the two rudders being connected by a 1" D SS shaft. The tiller
extends up through an escape hatch. There is a long wooden handle that is
inserted into the vertical part. The sundeck would offer a good place to
work the emergency rudder, but forward visibility would be limited,
especially forward and to port. Still better than nothing.
For what it may be worth .... and being a prejudiced owner .... I am often
surprised at the overall quality of construction in this boat. In this
case, "Taiwan-built" means quality construction at a price I could afford.
The interior teak carpentry is superb.
JMHO, YMMV
Take care and be safe.
Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin43 Sundeck
'Lo All,
The rudder post construction as described by Phil is not what is used on
our "Taiwan-built" Albin 43 Sundeck. The Albin 43 has heavy stringers that
run on both sides of the engines for the entire length of the boat - 4
total. At the stern they are about 4" x 9", some places they are much
deeper than 9", more like 15"-18". (I have not measured them.) The tops
form level platforms for mounting various things such as engines, so the
inner two stringers are, of course, much deeper (?higher?). The rudder post
upper supports are mounted into a 1/4" thick SS "U" channel, which rests on
the stringers and are bolted to them on each end. They show no evidence of
any movement.
There is also an emergency tiller stored in a rack just above the rudders.
It consists of a long SS shaft that engages the square top of the starboard
rudder (the two rudders being connected by a 1" D SS shaft. The tiller
extends up through an escape hatch. There is a long wooden handle that is
inserted into the vertical part. The sundeck would offer a good place to
work the emergency rudder, but forward visibility would be limited,
especially forward and to port. Still better than nothing.
For what it may be worth .... and being a prejudiced owner .... I am often
surprised at the overall quality of construction in this boat. In this
case, "Taiwan-built" means quality construction at a price I could afford.
The interior teak carpentry is superb.
JMHO, YMMV
Take care and be safe.
Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin43 Sundeck
