222- Keeping the Kick up Rudder down

[Mark Hofmann]

The previous owner of my 1985 O'Day 222 made a new tiller for it but did not include the cam cleat and line that keeps the kickup rudder submerged. Consequently the rudder eventually floats up while sailing. I have the manual from D+R marine which gives me a vague idea of how the line and cleat arrangement work. The manual also mentions a shock cord to tension this line, but I can't figure out how the cord is supposed to be attached or how it should work. On the other hand previous posts suggest that the original design doesn't always work that well in keeping the kick up rudder down. Any suggestions of how to keep the rudder down? Should I try to duplicate the original arrangement? Are there other arrangements that will work better.

 

[Rod Johnson,]

Rudy would know how to rig

I'd give Rudy at D&R a call if you don't get a reply from another 222 owner. He still builds those rudders and should know how to rig the line and shockcord.

 

[Matt Williams]

Kick up Rudder

I just ourchased an 87 Oday 222, and I think I have the same issue. If you get any feedback please reply. Thanksgetbent20@comcast.net

 

[Larry]

222kick uprudder

I have a 1984 222(anniversary edition) and had similiar issues when I first got my boat last year. Its really simple how it works the key is to have the right rope size for the kick up line, too narrow and it won't hold in the clam cleat (not cam cleat)Place clam cleat on underneath tiller handle(install with two stainless screws) about 18 inches foward of where it attaches to rudder cheeks. We use a 3/16 inch polyester, yacht braid, its stong,easy on the hands when pulling up the rudder, and abrasion resistant.Use a medium clam cleat(Ronstan makes a good one) rated for 3/16" line. The line that was on the rudder when we got the boat was too small and nylon and did not hold.To install the kick up line, you will find a small hole in rudder at the water line. Tie a stop knot at end of rope(you will need at least 6 feet), thread up between rudder checks just behind stainless cross bolts. At the last cross bolt thread the line down the under side of tiller handle and secure in clam cleat(not cam cleat).We usually loop rope around tiller several times when on the mooring just to make sure it is secure. So far this arrangement has woked great!Fair Winds...

 

[Mark Hofmann]

Thanks

Thanks for your help Larry, is there a need for using some sort of shock cord as described in the manual? I presume the cord was used to keep the line from getting stuck between the cheeks.

 

[Larry]

shock cord

Don't know about any shock cord situation, the kick up line should be enough.PS. If your homemade rudder does not have that hole already drilled (it sould be above waterline,paralell to waterline), it is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide and about 1/2 " deep. Then drill a straight access hole/tube (this would be perpendiculiar to waterline) that would lead the line up through the checks.