Rudders and fins for rowing boats

Rudders and fins are essential for propelling a rowboat. They ensure that the boat is stable and stays in the right direction.

Rudders

Rudders are the parts the rower uses to move the boat. They consist of a blade, a shaft and a yoke. The blade is the part that goes into the water and affects propulsion. The shaft is the part that connects the blade to the yoke. The yoke is the part that the rower or helmsman ultimately controls via steering rope or steering cable by hand or a foot steering device.

Rudders come in different sizes depending on the boat type. The materials used for rudders include wood, aluminum, carbon and stainless steel.

Fins

Fins are the parts that keep the boat stable. On racing rowing boats they are usually behind the helmsman's steering position, but also at the back of the boat. They ensure that the boat does not deviate sideways.

Fins come in different shapes and materials. The shape of the fin depends on the type of boat. The materials used for fins include aluminum, plastic and carbon.