Why a Custom Rudder Changes Everything
Rudders are not one-size-fits-all. Foil section, area, balance, aspect ratio, stock diameter, bearings, and steering geometry must match your displacement, keel, and propulsion. Using CFD-informed profiles, CNC-milled cores, and marine-grade composites or carbon, we create rudders that reduce drag, delay stall, and keep the helm neutral—so you dock smoother, point higher, and cruise faster with less effort.
10 Common Problems & How We Fix Them
1) Slow Turning in Marinas
Problem: Large turning circles and hesitation when you need tight control.
Solution: We increase effective aspect ratio and fine-tune balance to reduce steering effort. A correctly balanced spade rudder (or twin rudders on wide-beam yachts) sharpens the turning radius without overloading your hydraulic or cable system.
2) Heavy Weather Helm
Problem: Constant pull on the wheel in breeze; fatigue over long passages.
Solution: We adjust foil camber and planform, align the stock, and set precise rudder stops. The result is a neutral helm across common heel angles, improving comfort and safety.
3) Excess Drag, Less Speed
Problem: Bulky foils and poor alignment sap knots off your passage.
Solution: Streamlined sections (e.g., NACA-inspired profiles) and true-to-centerline alignment slash parasitic drag. Expect better upwind VMG and quieter, more efficient motoring.
4) Autopilot “Fighting” the Boat
Problem: The autopilot hunts and draws excessive current.
Solution: We integrate the new rudder with your steering ram geometry and calibrate the pilot. Balanced rudders produce smaller corrections, lowering power draw and wear.
5) Cavitation and Vibration at Speed
Problem: Buzzing at higher RPMs or in following seas.
Solution: We refine leading-edge radius, trailing-edge thickness, and surface finish to delay cavitation inception and eliminate vibration—smoother, safer steering at speed.
6) Rudder Stall in Tight Turns
Problem: Loss of bite beyond moderate helm angles.
Solution: High-lift foil shaping and appropriate end-plate strategies push stall farther out, keeping grip when you need decisive maneuvering during docking or man-overboard drills.
7) Steering Play and Bearing Wear
Problem: Slop at the wheel; uneven feedback.
Solution: We replace bearings, sleeves, and seals; true the stock; and spec durable composite or bronze bearings matched to load—clean, precise helm feel restored.
8) Corrosion & Composite Fatigue
Problem: Pitting on stocks, moisture in cores, or delamination.
Solution: New stocks in 316L/2205 duplex stainless or carbon, closed-cell cores, and epoxy systems with barrier coats resist corrosion and water ingress, extending service life.
9) Impact or Grounding Damage
Problem: Deformed blades and compromised structure.
Solution: We assess with NDT where needed, rebuild or replace foils, and install frangible tips or designed-weak links to protect the stock and steering gear in future incidents.
10) Poor Integration with Steering & Thrusters
Problem: Misalignment with hydraulics, cables, or bow/stern thrusters.
Solution: From quadrant geometry to autopilot feedback sensors, we integrate everything as a system. Expect smooth transitions between thruster bursts and rudder authority.
Our Process in Tivat, Step by Step

1. Consultation & Modeling: We capture hull data, sailing style, and performance goals; run hydrodynamic modeling to propose foil geometry and materials.
2. Fabrication: CNC-cut cores, carbon or composite layups, vacuum consolidation, and marine-grade finishes for durability.
3. Installation & Alignment: New stock, bearings, glands, and seals; laser alignment and meticulous tie-in to steering hydraulics or cable systems.
4. Calibration & Sea Trials: Dockside checks, autopilot tuning, then real-world tests across speeds and heel angles; final adjustments for a “locked-on-rails” feel.
5. Maintenance Plan: Scheduled inspections, lubrication, and seasonal checks—practical yacht maintenance delivered by a local team you can trust.

Local Advantage: Boka Bay Expertise
Based in Tivat, our yard delivers quick turnarounds for yacht repair Tivat requests and ongoing support throughout the bay. Whether you base your boat at Porto Montenegro or visit for a cruise, our Boka Bay yacht service keeps you running perfectly. And when your plans include a CharterMNE voyage—be it yacht charter Tivat or a broader boat charter Montenegro itinerary—we make sure the steering feels dialed-in before you depart. If you’re comparing boat rental Montenegro options or a Boka Bay boat charter, reliable steering isn’t a luxury; it’s peace of mind.
Ready to Upgrade Your Steering?
A well-designed rudder transforms everyday handling, safety, and speed. Talk to YachtService.me about a custom rudder engineered for your yacht and the waters you sail. Explore our fleet in Tivat. Request your charter quote.