This hole allows a rope to be put through the blade so that it can be lifted from the cup and lowered in deep water so that repairs can be made without docking the boat. Press button for drawing. An extension of the rudder blade mounted forward of the rudder stock. This plate normally of about one fifth the area of the blade balances the rudder blade enabling the rudder to be moved across the water flow with less effort. Press button for drawing.
Wood is painted with a coloured base paint and then an oil which is combed to look like wood grain.
Base colours to simulate many timbers can be used but the commonest type used on the canals simulates Oak. It may seem a little strange to paint wood to look like wood but it is part of a tradition from the working boats when relatively cheap timber was used to build the cabins and scumbling this cheaper timber provided an improved appearance and the ability to clean the surfaces easily. A steel bar, folded section or U beam which extends from beneath the bottom plate to support the bottom end of the rudder stock. The rudder stock normally fits into a cup welded on the top of the skeg. Press Button for drawing.