This afternoon while sailing my 1999 H260 off the wind in about 15 knots of wind a sound somewhat like a gunshot signaled the snapping of the 1/2 inch stainless steel bolt on which the rudder pivots. After getting the sails down I jumped into the water - thank goodness that in Ga the water is still warm - to retrieve the rudder which was still attached to the boat by the lifting and lowering line. Since I have read several times on this forum that this rudder floats I did not think anything about cutting that line so I would be able to put the rudder in the boat. Well quys, guess what, the rudder, at least my edition of it, does not float. As soon as I cut the line it disappeared into 60 or more feet of lake water. What had started out as a troubling inconvience has now turned into a major problem which will probably be expensive. If you have a 260, I advise you to check the condition of the rudder bolt. I did retrieve the bolt and it appears to me that it may have been defective. This is something I will have to take up with Hunter. I just can't believe that enough pressure would ever be generated by the rudder to break a bolt of that dimension. Has this happened to anyone else? Aside from all this, I really feel stupid because my wife told me not to cut the line but I told her that the rudder floats so it wouldn't be a problem.
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thanks
I agree that there may have been a failure of the product. I sail in 30+ winds and have never had problems with my 2001 260. The rudder does float up whe the down haul is realeased but might sink when not connected to at the post position, as you have found out. Good luck. I had to replace a centerboard on my McGregor 26 once. ct
I agree that there may have been a failure of the product. I sail in 30+ winds and have never had problems with my 2001 260. The rudder does float up whe the down haul is realeased but might sink when not connected to at the post position, as you have found out. Good luck. I had to replace a centerboard on my McGregor 26 once. ct
Lake Lanier
Where you on Lake Lanier? How much sail did you have up? Is your Boat water ballast model? I was out Sunday with reefed main only pulled as flat as I could get it. I was still heeling 5 to 15 degrees most of the day and up to 30 degrees in gusts in my 23.5. Still had a safe and pleasant day.
Where you on Lake Lanier? How much sail did you have up? Is your Boat water ballast model? I was out Sunday with reefed main only pulled as flat as I could get it. I was still heeling 5 to 15 degrees most of the day and up to 30 degrees in gusts in my 23.5. Still had a safe and pleasant day.
All UP
I was on lake sinclair in a club race with full sail up and having a blast. We crossed the finish line and let out the sails and then blam!
I was on lake sinclair in a club race with full sail up and having a blast. We crossed the finish line and let out the sails and then blam!
Salt vs Fresh water
The rudder on my 26 does not float. If I release it is sinks quite quickly into the full down position. I have not tried in salt water however. Because salt water is more dense it might float there.
The rudder on my 26 does not float. If I release it is sinks quite quickly into the full down position. I have not tried in salt water however. Because salt water is more dense it might float there.
Floating H260 Rudder
I don't have a lot of experience with this boat, but I can tell you the rudder floats big time in fresh water. Maybe over time it adsorbs water and sinks more easily. Anyway, my big issue is that I can't find the hole to put the plastic pin in after launching. The rudder is too long to lower before the launch, so there I am balancing on the stern trying to push it down with my foot. I usually end up tying it down which is just the wrong thing to do...
I don't have a lot of experience with this boat, but I can tell you the rudder floats big time in fresh water. Maybe over time it adsorbs water and sinks more easily. Anyway, my big issue is that I can't find the hole to put the plastic pin in after launching. The rudder is too long to lower before the launch, so there I am balancing on the stern trying to push it down with my foot. I usually end up tying it down which is just the wrong thing to do...
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