My S/M rudders all have the water pick up on the left side of the rudder?? I noticed that during a right turn a total loss of water pressure... no water. I think the water pick up should be on the right side?? Has anyone else notice this?

I have given this a lot of thought over the years, as I thought it should be on the right side. However most boats require some left trim to make them go straight so the left face of the blade would have pressure on it, and the prop wash would aid somewhat depending on the placement of the blade. I am now thinking it is correct where it is as I dont have a problem with cooling water. Some guys drill a hole on the right side as well.

mike sr

Ive never had a problem with no cooling during a right turn. The way i see it the blade is in the water, so no matter what direction it is turned, water is STILL flowing across the blade, and going into the pickup.

Take a small rat tail file and regroove the rudder so its cut all the way to the wedge point then give it a few more cuts till it has a half round on the point.This helps get the water in the groove and your problems should be ove not getting water in the turns!

Water flow is indeed reduced considerably during a right turn for rudders with the PU on the left side. You will notice that a lot of the manufacturers now make the hole on the right hand side. In fact, AM has been doing it since I can remember. Not sure why SM went with the left side hole and most copied it, but seems to be changing now. I have re-drilled some on the right side.