Performance Rudders vs. Standard

[Kilo42]

I am looking at a plane that has the standard rudders.  Are performance rudders a must ?  Can they be modified or replaced?

Thanks

Kilo42

[Anonymous]

There are many still flying the original style rudders.

You can buy the large rudder plans still at  http://www.rutanaircraft.com/htmlpages/orderform.html and they can be retrofit.

Not a big deal.

[Drew]

You have plenty of rudder authority with standard rudders airborne and I have demonstrated landings of up to 22 knots direct cross wind (varsity day for me though!).  The large rudders do two things----they look cool----and they get you rudder authority quicker on the takeoff roll.  The quicker rudder authority will let you get off the ground quicker in a crosswind (don't have to drag a brake as long to keep the nose straight).  Converting to the larger rudders is a good first project for a new owner since it is relatively an easy foam and glass job.  It should take about a weekend to do----then you need to add paint.  You can buy the plans off the rutan website (about 15 bucks I think).