Replacement rudder seems wider than original

[vain.sight]

We had the rudder on our Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 replaced last season, and while it's been performing just fine out on the water, visually it looks like the new rudder has a slightly wider profile than the original, since the boat is due for a haul out this winter, we're thinking of using the time to compare it more closely and possibly reshape it if needed. But first, we'd love to know if anyone happen to have the original factory dimensions for the rudder on a Sun Odyssey 42?

Would also be great to hear from anyone who's been through a similar rudder replacement, we appreciate the help

 

[SidOnTheSea]

I don't have the factory specs handy for the SO 42, and I bet it's hard to come by unless you get them directly from Jeanneau.
Most folks I know who've had rudders replaced have just trusted the yard to make a proper match based on the old one and the boat's specs.
It's smart to be concerned about a wider profile since it can increase drag.
If you have the old rudder, I suggest you just measure it before you do anything else.
If not, a good yard can assess the new one when the boat's hauled out.
They can check if the foil shape is fair and that the leading and trailing edges are correct.
Reshaping a rudder is a delicate job so personally, I'd leave it to a professional with a good eye for fairing and shaping fiberglass.

 

[Bridgingthegap]

Don't take this the wrong way, good job on trying to keep close to stock, but why would you bother too much with the rudder? If it's doing it's job like it should with no performance changes, why try to make changes? Not trying to change your mind, just trying to understand your point of thought.

 

[Almar1]

Do you happen to have the original factory rudder dimensions for the Sun Odyssey 42, or at least the measurements of the new rudder, so you can compare and see if reshaping is needed?