In article , Jeff
wrote:

2) Over the stern rudder or binnacle/shaft type rudder?
Once more, seems the over the stern rudder would be less
problematical and repairable even at sea. No thru hulls or gears
would seem better.

Are you asking tiller vs. wheel? I prefer the tiller for small
boats, a wheel for larger boats. If you're asking about the rudder
hung on the stern or a post, that depends a lot on the total design
of the boat.

Our Tanzer's rudder is transom-hung, which I like because I can --and
do-- inspect it and its fittings periodically. When I didn't like the
original rudder, I built a new one. If the rudder breaks, a shelf and
fiddle onboard can serve as an emergency rudder. Being further back
increases the distance between the keel and rudder, giving it better
leverage & a bit less induced drag.

Tiller or wheel was available. I prefer tiller because it's simpler and
more responsive. Installing an autopilot is far easier and cheaper.
Pushed up to the backstay, the whole cockpit is open.

Oh, and we find our Xan just about perfect for local cruising. Have done
a few multi-week cruises on the ICW and plan to do the Bahamas with her
for a few months, but mostly use her as our "summer home" 60 or so days
of our six month season, most mornings enjoying a different
million-dollar back yard.

BTW, our first consideration in a boat is the berths. Dual-use bunks get
old fast. If we can't both get in a permanent bunk and be comfortable,
we move on. That eliminated most of the boats we looked at under 35' and
quite a few larger.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/