China's Rudder Design •
But it was the Chinese under the Han Dynasty that added a crucial technolog
development that advanced ship design. During the 1st century AD, they invented
wooden rudder which was used for steering. A rudder is basically a flat sheet of
wood, used for steering that is connected to a boat via a hinge (or pivot). Cables
connect to the rudder, pushing or pulling it to the left or right, thereby turning the
ship. The stern-mounted rudder replaced the oar steering system as it required less
manpower and didn't interfere with the operation of sails.