Testimonials

Straight from the Cockpit — No Edits, No Marketing

We didn’t invent these reviews. We didn’t polish them. We didn’t even ask for them. Everything you’re about to read below is 100% real — written by real sailors: beginners and champions, coaches and boatbuilders. These testimonials were posted on open forums and public websites.

We’ve gathered them from various sources dating back to 2002 so you can feel for yourself what we believe in. This is an honest, outside perspective.

Some comments praise the simplicity. Others are impressed by the lift-up mechanism. Some include criticism — and we kept those, too. Because if we only showed you the sweet stuff, it wouldn’t be the full story.

Recognized Excellence: Dotan Kick-Up Rudder System – Winner of METS 2002

Our commitment to innovation and quality has been acknowledged by the industry's highest accolades. In 2002, the Dotan Kick-Up Rudder System was honored with a prestigious award at the METS International Marine Equipment Trade Show in Amsterdam.

The jury particularly praised the system's innovative approach to rudder control, highlighting "the simplicity and elegance of the blade lifting mechanism, which eliminates the need for ropes." This recognition reaffirms Dotan's leadership in marine equipment design.

Source: Information derived from official METS 2002 press releases and Dotan archives.

Want to explore these reviews and find more?

Simply go to the SailingAnarchy.com search page and type 'Dotan' in the search bar. You'll see all posts related to our rudders.

Dotan Rudder: What Real Users Are Saying

We present the original quotes in English to preserve their authenticity.

"I am very intrigued about purchasing one of those Dotan rudders now. Thank you for the tips!"

• Source: Threecanoes, Post #90
• Date: July 25, 2024
• Forum: Multihull Anarchy

"I used the Dotan rudder system on my 18HT in the first Tybee 500. There are always a ton of weeds/seagrass as you pass each of the inlets the would get caught on the rudders. With the Dotan's, squat in, flick the tiller arm up/down the pivot the blade up, flick it a second time and lock it..."

• Source: USA 007, Post #8
• Date: February 26, 2021
• Forum: Gear Anarchy

"Well, maybe not exactly 'automatic'. but damned close."

• Source: CapnK, Thread
• Date: February 23, 2021
• Forum: Gear Anarchy

"I've got an older boat I'm working on, it has an old, flat-plate AL blade rudder system. I was thinking the Dotan price would be pretty much 'cheap' when compared to the time I would spend DIY'ing something else, and would definitely be MUCH more esthetic. :) The easy up/down would be a bonus..."

• Source: CapnK, Post #9
• Date: February 26, 2021
• Forum: Gear Anarchy

"The new blade, from Dotan, appears perfect in every way. I've measured as carefully as I can and just can't note any non-similarity from one side to the other, nor any out of alignment top to bottom. The side shrouds are identical..."

• Source: Tom Kirkman, Post #7
• Date: May 22, 2017
• Forum: Multihull Anarchy

"Dotan in Israel is one. I bought a rudder for my boat and had it customized to my design to take a t-foil. They do good work. http://www.dotan.com/"

• Source: Doug Lord, Post #3
• Date: October 26, 2016
• Forum: Fix It Anarchy

"The rudder is from Dotan. A blade #2 in 25mm width. I have to say it is a very well made, beautiful rudder. It oozes quality. It also weighs less than 3 pounds but is about..."

• Source: Tom Kirkman, Post #62
• Date: December 17, 2016
• Forum: Multihull Anarchy

"You might also give Nor'Banks a call. Believe it or not the early Wetas delivered to the US had Dotan kick up rudders. My first Weta (#151) originally had this type of rudder, which I later replaced with the current version. If you're not familiar with this type of rudder/cassette system, it is..."

• Source: βhyde, Post #742
• Date: December 30, 2020
• Forum: Multihull Anarchy

"You might check into the Dotan rudder. Its got a nice action and is well made. http://www.dotan.com/ Rudder retraction and deployment is done by moving tiller. It automatically kicks up when it hits something hard. No strings. My Dotan rudder on the aeroSKIFF hull: (sp corrected)"

• Source: Doug Lord, Post #7
• Date: August 29, 2013
• Forum: Dinghy Anarchy

"I have one of these Dotan kick up rudders for beach launching. Its decent piece of equipment."

• Source: jfclapp, Post #78
• Date: June 7, 2008
• Forum: Dinghy Anarchy

"I've got the new Dotan rudder. I like it as well. Make landing's and clearing weeds a snap."

• Source: Elegua, Post #688
• Date: September 30, 2008
• Forum: Dinghy Anarchy

"The Dotan kickup works pretty good."

• Source: βhyde, Post #680
• Date: September 26, 2008
• Forum: Dinghy Anarchy