Naca Yachting

De Waal usually uses rudders with NACA profiling for superyachts. This is a scientifically proven profile, originating from aviation. We build the most optimal rudder for your yacht. Excellent steering, developed for high speeds.

The letters NACA stand for: 'National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics'. Originally an American federal agency. Founded in 1915 to conduct research into aircraft wing profiles. The scientifically based wing profiles were later also developed for ship rudders and jet nozzles. NACA was dissolved in 1958 and partly merged into the current NASA.

Rudder dynamics

The NACA rudder profile is characterised by a relatively thick front, which flows smoothly into the slender rear. They are usually built in a spade shape. On request, the rudder stock can be dismantled, for example with our 'Pacific construction'. For optimal water displacement, we build a sleek, streamlined headbox above it. It also looks great!

This yacht rudder is machined on the cutter bench to attach the rudder stock.

Ultimate yacht rudder

As in aviation, the profile of a rudder is essential for the steering behaviour of a yacht, especially at high speeds. But a rudder also creates resistance in the water. This depends on the angle at which the water flows against the rudder, in combination with the sailing speed. De Waal engineers therefore usually choose Naca profiling as the starting point for fast yachts. Supplemented with other typical 'De Waal characteristics', this results in a unique yacht rudder. Even Steve Jobs of Apple was impressed.

 The Naca rudder profile is characterised by a relatively thick front, which flows smoothly into the slender rear.