05 197 Rudder vs. 06 197 rudder

[h2oskiier222]

Hi All,

I just bought a 2005 x7 and have heard a few people saying they changed their rudder on their 05 to an 06....I have seen pictures of both I am just curious as to the performance differences between the two...Can someone chime in here and shed some on this for me? In other words why should I change mine!

Thanks in advance.

[Scott]

I was going to upgrade my rudder until I did the same thing your doing now.. Several made good points.. If you have disposable income, go for it. There is nothing wrong with mine so I had a hard time justifying, even to myself which is normally very easy, the expense. If your not pulling competitions, I don't know that It would be a good investment. Just my 2 cents...good luck.

[Andyg]

There is plenty of information in these two threads to help make your decision.

2006 Rudder
Rudder Install

[TMCNo1]

'05 turns right and left and the '06 turns left and right!

[ncsone]

I found that the 06 rudder gives me more control at idle speed around docks, putting on the trailer, etc. There is some debate about whether the wake is affected or not, but if it is, it only gets better with the 06 rudder. And, it does make the boat easier to turn. Turning tightly on the old rudder was a two-handed affair. Now, it is much easier. Just my $.02 on the subject.
Note that there are two rudders available - the regular 197 rudder and the TT version, which has the right hand 'pull' already built in. The stnd 06 197 rudder does not have pull built into the rudder (you can add it if you want) and wanders at skiing speeds.

[h2oskiier222]

Thanks for all of the replys, experiences, and advice. I am not sure what I will do yet...

Okay so it sounds like better response in the course and at lower speeds. Where can I get one of the TT rudders with pull built in? And how much does this upgrade usually run?

[east tx skier]

Originally Posted by ncsone

I found that the 06 rudder gives me more control at idle speed around docks, putting on the trailer, etc. There is some debate about whether the wake is affected or not, but if it is, it only gets better with the 06 rudder. And, it does make the boat easier to turn. Turning tightly on the old rudder was a two-handed affair. Now, it is much easier. Just my $.02 on the subject.
Note that there are two rudders available - the regular 197 rudder and the TT version, which has the right hand 'pull' already built in. The stnd 06 197 rudder does not have pull built into the rudder (you can add it if you want) and wanders at skiing speeds.

Having driven nscone's boat and another 05 before it got the updated rudder, I can say, if only for the fact that nscone has the loaded TT rudder, that it is much easier to hold a line with the TT rudder. Not sure about the 06 unloaded version.

[ncsone]

I got mine via MYMC (MC of Charlotte). www.mymastercraft.com. They had both in stock at the time I ordered mine. IIRC, it was just a touch over $300. The install was a 15 minute job. One of the few things that are actually easier to do that you would think on a boat.

[h2oskiier222]

That isn't as bad as I would have thought...I will check it out...Thanks for all of your help!