Was not a good idea! (rudder and lee board)

Duck Punt on Lake Havasu, AZ

It’s been a few years since I have posted on this build. After trying out the rudder and center board option noted in a previous post, it was very quickly removed as unusable. The best way for steering a duck punt is by using an oar. I sold the duck punt in early 2019 so I didn’t notice I left this modification hanging as my last post. My summary of building and using the duck punt was very positive. It was fun to build and inexpensive. Not having the rudder and complications of a centerboard trunk made it a fast build too. If you find that this was an interesting blog and possible project for you to consider be sure to search out the various youtube videos on sailing the duck punt.

Back to Basics

I spend several weeks working on the Duck Punt.   I added a rudder and leeboard to the punt after moving the punt back to Anaheim CA.   I was looking forward to obtaining a more relaxed sailing vessel for use in Newport Harbor.

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After several attempts of sailing the punt with rudder and leeboard I decided it wasn’t as functional as I had hoped.  While I was able to steer adequately, the leeboard and rudder created noticeable drag and the duck punt would fall off the wind badly when close hauled.   No fun at all.

Anyone who contemplates this modification would likely need to install a longer leeboard foil and deeper rudder.   I elected to keep depth of the rudder and leeboard as shown to retain as much shallow water sailing as possible.   It didn’t work out as planned, so during my last outing I removed the rudder and leeboard and went back to oar steering.

I then backtracked the modifications and removed the rudder and leeboard and all associated fittings and changes made.  I then upgraded the running gear hardware for better sail handling.  A fresh coat of hull paint and a contrasting color on the gunnel and the Duck Punt looks brand new again.

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Home for refurbishment!

I brought the Duckpunt home from the river for refurbishment.    Sailing the punt on the river has become more work then fun as it requires a lot of effort to move up-stream (5 knots), when ever I take her out.   By bringing her home I will be able to launch in Newport Back Bay.   My plan is to first refurbish the duckpunt with a new colorful paint scheme.    I am also considering adding the option of attaching a small electric trolling motor.   Also, I am thinking about adding a rudder and lee board to simplify the sailing in congested areas of Newport Harbor.