: last weekend i asked my uncle(welder and all around talented guy) to help me
: make an aluminum rudder ,he was enthusiastic but wanted to use some
: stainless steel (1/16inch)he has lying around.i coudlnt think of a reason
: why not i was wondering if anyone has an opinion for or against. Any
: thoughts would be appreciated.

: PS im still looking for a good rudder plan anyone have a lead for me?

The stainless is probably fine, just difficult to cut. I made a retracting skeg for a plastic boat and found the best thing to use for the blade is a street sign. The aluminum material used for street signs is tough stuff, ever seen one broken? These signs flex in the wind for years. Years ago, I found these signss were the only things that would last for number plates on racng motorcycles I went to my local highway dept. and asked for an old used sign. They gave me a several. The best thickness is about 3/32"

I used a jigsaw to cut the material and finished it with a stationary belt sander. I tapered the leading edge a little.

Cant help you with design, I just made up my own for the stern skeg I made.

Larry C.