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[quote=MN3][quote]Well i have no idea what i am doing but if they are to thick then why cant i thin them down? [/quote]
the answer is in your own statement... you just have to reverse it...
Q: why cant i thin them down? 
A: Well i have no idea what i am doing .....      :)

[quote]And i have no idea what you just said! hahhha :) [/quote]
if you try to modify your own rudders and  you are not an  experienced marine fabricator, and hydro-dynamist (made-up word).... you are more likely to end up with worse rudder problems than you have now.

Rudders have lots of curve, shape, edging etc.
If you start to shave-off / modify the shape of the current rudders, and don't recreate the correct shape (or develop a new shape that works better...) you will be worse off and now need to find/purchase new rudders to replace

I sail 140+ days a year and hit bottom enough to require touch up work on my rudders and center-boards. I have been working on my rudders (tips) a lot this year (3 different times) by adding gelcoat putty to extend the length back to original size and shape. The amount of time, energy, and skills needed (to fair) are much higher than i expected.

It took me many applications of gelcoat, and sanding back down with multiple levels of sandpaper.... just to develop a semi decent grasp on how to properly fair the rudder edges into ALMOST the right shape, angle, edge, etc.  and this was only after i had 2 friends (who were both in the fabricating industry) sit with me for an hour + and show me some technique.  It is not impossible, but it is a skill for sure.

[quote]explain to me how will i figure this out? do i need a big aquarium with water movement as the blades are looked at?[/quote]
Yes, don't forget to get a degree in hydro-dynamics, or find out how others succesfully overcame your helm issues (there has to be others who experienced this).

personally, I would mess with my mast rake, and every other possible adjustment before i touched any part of my boat with sandpaper or drill[/quote]

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