240 rudder line/control ineffective!

[Bill Welsch]

The factory installed system on our 240 that is designed to keep the rudder in the down position is really lousy. The line gets stuck in the clamcleat and it is IMPOSSIBlE to dislodge it! We recently had to unscrew the clam cleat to release the darn thing.Has anyone attempted a refit on this system? I assume it is similar on the 23.5 although I'm not sure.Thoughts and input welcome.Thanks in advanceBill Welsch"Renewal"

 

[Dave]

rudder

Yes the 23.5 is like this but a longer line helped!!But I never liked to lock it down, just use the "wing nut"this will let it kick up if you, like me , hit somethingGood luckDave B.

 

[Mark Kissel]

Spinlock...

makes a PX Powercleat clutch that will release the line with a gentle upward tug under severe load. It works great!Mark Kissels/v KittiwakeH240

 

[Brian Kile]

releasing clam

Problem with the 240 factory design is if you tighten the pivot nut too much(not a wingnut either - mine came with a wrench nut!), it doesn't set easily(without your foot assist), too loose and rudder rides up under sail. APS (http://apsltd.com/default.htm) carries a strain-releasing clam for <$20. After much thought over best way to redesign, I plan to get this clam to simply replace the factory one. This way u can keep the rudder pivot nut a bit 'loose' for easy up/down and still have kickup safety feature. If line 'lodges' itself, you can kick it up manually to dislodge it. I had a similar kickup cleat on my Nacra cat and after a few bottom drags, noted quickly that the 240 needed same.kile'What the Heel'