tophatyachts.com

I posted an image of a zero or mk1 with a rudder modification where they had built a fin hung rudder aft of the keel.
this was ages ago and I can't find it. can someone dig it up please?

Hi Rob,

I don't think these are the photos you posted but I found them in my collection.
They came from a sale site when PAPILLON [a Mk3] was for sale some time ago.

Interesting, I wonder why they made the mod. More space in the cockpit perhaps? Note that adding extra underwater surface further aft will effect the sail balance, although with a long keel boat this might not be significant. The change is to produce more lee helm/less weather helm.

I saw one like that transom hung one on the Clarence R I. Grafton.
The one I posted was well done with a fin in front. it looked like an s&s rudder. The guy did it because Top Hats have a tendency to round up and broach when overpowered especially when under spinnaker. He was racing her though, and said it was a lot of work to do. I've heard a few Victorian racing people say the same thing about top hats.

Hi Rob

The images can be found here: http://www.tophatyachts.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=801

BTW I have been following your adventures in Bass Straight and up the East Coast, very impressive!

Keith

Rob,

Can you remember the name of that Mark 0?

thanks Kieth that's the one, my plan was to sail to the islands and back to Victoria to work for a few months to finance the same trip next year as I intend not to spend another winter south, but now I'm playing with the idea of hard standing for the cyclone season fly home and work some then continuing around over the top and do the loop. But things change day to day and lots depend on $$$ which I have very little. so who knows.

Hi Phil, can't remember her name, she was out of New Haven Vic. and had done a bit of island hopping in bass strait. Very nice boat, cold moulded, and heavily rigged.