As I mentioned before, the 14 and 16 have different rudder rules than all the other classes.
[quote]1. RUDDERS AND RUDDER ASSEMBLIES
1.1 Rudder blades made of another material, yet
conforming to the size, shape and minimum
weight of the standard rudder blades, may be
used. Rudder blades must conform within the
minimum and maximum dimensions that are
found within the profile plans. Profile plans are
available through the IHCA.
1.2 The maximum thickness of a rudder blade(s)
shall not exceed 1.015 in. (25.8 mm.), tapering
over a distance of 2 ft. (60.96 cm) to a maximum
thickness of 1/2 in. (12.7 mm), 2 in. (50.8
mm) from the bottom tip of the rudder. These
dimensions are for reference purposes only.
Please refer to profile plans for exact dimensions.
Profile plans are available through the
IHCA.
If you look at the any of the 30 or so definitions of "stock", none of them really covers what the word means in the context of the rules for all the other boats.
Does it mean "supplied originally with the boat"? or "supplied by Hobie Cat Company [out of their stock]"?
It's a poorly worded rule.
I’m sure the intent for all the rules has always been that parts and equipment are class specific. You can’t put an 18 rig on a 16, even though they are both factory supplied items. In fact, there are certain items that they factory supplies for a particular class as a option that are not class legal for racing, such as jib batten hinges.
So…I agree with Matt that in the strictest sense, unless the class rules specifically address an item, it is not permitted. In the case of the H14 and H16 rudders, there is a written rule.
The H17, 18, 20 and Wave would not, in my mind be permitted to use any rudder that was never supplied by the factory for that particular model. The H20s have that letter but I think it is only an opinion, not actually a rule.
However, at this point in time, if the H17, 18 and 20s have been using the EPOs without protest, then you can make the assumption that there has been de facto acceptance without a written rule.
Carrying this to the same conclusion, I think we are on solid ground to do the same with the Waves.
We all agree that the rule is poorly written.
To deny Waves the same treatment as the H17, 18 and 20 might bring down a house of cards that I’m sure no one wants to see happen.
Clearly, an across the board written rule revision to address this oversight is the best long range solution. The 14/16 definition would make the most sense since all these boats use the exact same rudder shape and size. Only the materials are different. In the meantime actual precedent says that racers of all stripes are using the EPOs and we should agree to leave it at that until such a change comes to be.
