I put my new H260 in the water in late June. About a month later I noticed a small crack across the top of the rudder. The crack opened to less than a quarter inch. I wasn't worried. I'd replace it this winter. Everyone that saw it told me to get it replaced. I took her out of the water for the winter and found the whole back of the rudder split wide open. The rudder is no more than foam covered with a thin coating of fiberglass. I've had her out in the wind at a good 20 degree heel for hours at a time. I know there must be a couple hundred pounds of force on that rudder. Doesn't give me a good sense of security. Anyone else have this problem?
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Wow
Frank, Haven't seen that one. Is it possible to provide some pictures? Could you have grounded the rudder not knowing it? How about while you are in the slip? Jim S/V Java
Frank, Haven't seen that one. Is it possible to provide some pictures? Could you have grounded the rudder not knowing it? How about while you are in the slip? Jim S/V Java
H260 rudder problems
I purchased a new 2001 H260 last June. By mid August I noticed the same crack that you did at the top of the rudder. I called my dealer and they told me that the splitting of the rudder was a common problem. Along with other warrenty Items that the dealer took care of he fixed the rudder at no charge. The degree that your rudder has split would make me think that it would be covered under warrenty. Check with your dealer or contact Hunter direct. Smooth sailing....Wayne
I purchased a new 2001 H260 last June. By mid August I noticed the same crack that you did at the top of the rudder. I called my dealer and they told me that the splitting of the rudder was a common problem. Along with other warrenty Items that the dealer took care of he fixed the rudder at no charge. The degree that your rudder has split would make me think that it would be covered under warrenty. Check with your dealer or contact Hunter direct. Smooth sailing....Wayne
crack in rudder
My 1999 260 developed a crack last winter although not as bad as yours. It also had blisters. I worked through my dealer with Hunter and it was replaced under warranty. My new rudder already has blisters.
My 1999 260 developed a crack last winter although not as bad as yours. It also had blisters. I worked through my dealer with Hunter and it was replaced under warranty. My new rudder already has blisters.
Appears I'm not alone...
Thank you. No, I didn't hit anything. The crack started across the top and the whole back side of the rudder was open. If I had hit anything I'm sure that one side of the rudder would have broken off. No strenght at all. Hunter is replacing the rudder, but in my opinion, it shouldn't happen in the first place. Without a rudder you have zero control.
Thank you. No, I didn't hit anything. The crack started across the top and the whole back side of the rudder was open. If I had hit anything I'm sure that one side of the rudder would have broken off. No strenght at all. Hunter is replacing the rudder, but in my opinion, it shouldn't happen in the first place. Without a rudder you have zero control.
same problem
had the same problem, I thought I did it trying to tighten the clamp to hold it down.I called the dealer and he came out with a new one. The whole rudder design is bad. It does not stay down, and mine was like yours, foam covered with fiberglass. The hunter people did replace it though.
had the same problem, I thought I did it trying to tighten the clamp to hold it down.I called the dealer and he came out with a new one. The whole rudder design is bad. It does not stay down, and mine was like yours, foam covered with fiberglass. The hunter people did replace it though.
Is It Painted?
My dealer told me not to paint it any color other than white as the additional heat picked up would damage the rudder.
My dealer told me not to paint it any color other than white as the additional heat picked up would damage the rudder.
length of warrenty
how long is the warranty for this problem? I have a '98. It has a split at the top that disgorges a brown substance when the rudder is flipped up for winter.
how long is the warranty for this problem? I have a '98. It has a split at the top that disgorges a brown substance when the rudder is flipped up for winter.
Ours did TOO!!
I had the same problem as you did, although I DID loose control and as a result I went aground. I have had major problems dealing with the dealer and Hunter about this problem. I am now on my 4th rudder!! The design of this boat is really poor. Mine is the prototype for the 270. It was made in 1998 and has an inboard diesel motor, wing keel and wheel. The original rudder had weight on it. It was able to stay down without a rope. The replacement rudders just float and I have had the cable break also. Good Luck! Paul
I had the same problem as you did, although I DID loose control and as a result I went aground. I have had major problems dealing with the dealer and Hunter about this problem. I am now on my 4th rudder!! The design of this boat is really poor. Mine is the prototype for the 270. It was made in 1998 and has an inboard diesel motor, wing keel and wheel. The original rudder had weight on it. It was able to stay down without a rope. The replacement rudders just float and I have had the cable break also. Good Luck! Paul
Paul
Sounds bad! Email me @ bfsears@chesapeake.net, I'd like to chat with you about this problem...
Sounds bad! Email me @ bfsears@chesapeake.net, I'd like to chat with you about this problem...
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