🔍 Key Concepts

• rudder balance (how much area is ahead vs. behind the rudder stock/axis) • difference between spade, unbalanced, semi-balanced, and fully balanced rudders • how the rudder stock position changes steering effort

💭 Think About

• Look at the dashed outline of the rudder and locate the rudder stock (point A). How much rudder area is ahead of that axis compared with behind it? • Compare this drawing with your mental picture of a spade rudder (how is it supported?) and a stern‑post‑hung rudder (what does the post look like?). Which one matches the illustration better? • Think about steering forces: if all the area were behind the stock it would be hardest to turn. If roughly half were in front and half behind, it would be easiest. Where does this drawing fall on that spectrum?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify where the rudder stock/axis is in the illustration (label A) and draw an imaginary vertical line through it. • Check whether any part of the rudder blade is forward of the stock; note whether it is a small portion, a large portion, or none at all. • Confirm how the rudder is supported: is it entirely free below the hull like a true spade, or does it have a horn or heel connection to the stern structure (labels B and C)?