New First 40 Rudder Design
Published September 21, 2017
Farr Yacht Design and Competition Composites, Inc. announce the availability of an all-new rudder design for the Beneteau First 40. This rudder is a significant upgrade over the existing rudder for all Beneteau First 40 versions. It features a deeper blade span for improved efficiency and a thinner, lower drag and more forgiving foil section for increased stall resistance. The use of carbon fiber in the rudder post construction results in a stiffer, stronger rudder for higher strength and an all-important weight reduction near the stern of the boat.
The blade is available in either E-glass or Carbon. This new rudder uses the existing bearings and quadrant, will fit in place without requiring any alterations to the boat and will have little, if any, impact on a boat’s handicap or rating. This rudder is particularly suited for use with 2.45m (8 ft) draft keels but can be modified to suit shallow draft keels.
Competition Composites Inc. (CCI) is the licensed manufacturer of this new First 40 rudder. For the past several years, CCI has been manufacturing our Farr 395, Beneteau First 10R/First 34.7, First 36.7 and First 40.7 rudder upgrades.
All of these rudders are manufactured with CNC-milled structural foam core halves, bonded to the post. The blades are then vacuum bag laminated in carbon or E-glass and epoxy, faired and painted in epoxy primer. Four (4) coats of 2000E barrier protection are applied ready for customer application of anti-fouling. The carbon post is made from carbon layers wrapped in a mold and cured in an autoclave. New Jefa sleeves are bonded to the post in position for existing bearings.
CCI offers the new First 40 rudder with E-Glass blades and carbon stock for $8450 USD. An all carbon version is available for $8750 USD. For more details or to order, please contact CCI at sales@fastcomposites.ca or or +1-613-599-6951. If you wish to speak with FYD, please contact us at info@farrdesign.com or +1-410-267-0780.
