I have just had my third rudder installed on my relatively new 260. The rudder seems fine, however when I pull the rudder into the down position it extends fully and then bounces back up about three inches. This wasn't a problem on the first two rudders - at least I didn't remember it being one. With the rudder in the down position I can move the rudder up and then back down about three inches. Is the rudder supposed to have this level of play or is something wrong? Has anybody encountered this before - and yes the line was plenty tight. I had the dealer looking at it tody who was stumped. They were going to call the Hunter folks for a solution, but I thought I would try the forum as well. Look forward to the Crazy Dave insight. Regards, MTT
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R
ross
Rudder Downlock Pin
If you don't have a frangible downlock pin, consider getting one. The plastic pin is available from Hunter Parts (386 462 3077 ext. 3015). With the rudder in the down position, drill a 3/8" hole through the existing hole in the metal rudder bracket, through the rudder and out the other side of the bracket. Insert the pin through the metal bracket and rudder. Works great. The pin holds the rudder down while sailing and will break if you hit an obstruction allowing the rudder to kick-up.
If you don't have a frangible downlock pin, consider getting one. The plastic pin is available from Hunter Parts (386 462 3077 ext. 3015). With the rudder in the down position, drill a 3/8" hole through the existing hole in the metal rudder bracket, through the rudder and out the other side of the bracket. Insert the pin through the metal bracket and rudder. Works great. The pin holds the rudder down while sailing and will break if you hit an obstruction allowing the rudder to kick-up.
W
wayne
rudder
A thought, though the line might be tight comming out of the post, is the line going to and tying off at the rudder also tight? this line might be a tad too long (should not be if you are just changing out rudder, but if you also changed the line it only has to be an inch or two too longer to give this amout of play.) Check the travel of the pulley in the post, list could be the limiting factor due to that line being to long.
A thought, though the line might be tight comming out of the post, is the line going to and tying off at the rudder also tight? this line might be a tad too long (should not be if you are just changing out rudder, but if you also changed the line it only has to be an inch or two too longer to give this amout of play.) Check the travel of the pulley in the post, list could be the limiting factor due to that line being to long.
M
MToran
Thanks for the input
Thanks Guys, The dealer did look at the line coming out the bottom of the rudder post and said it looked okay. The dealer thought that the actual rudder post looked like it was shifting - but I couldn't tell. Good idea on the rudder pin - one came with the boat but I have never used it. Given the problems I have had with my first two rudders splitting - I was a bit nervous putting a hole through the rudder itself on purpose. I'm assuming this hole doesn't effect the integrity of the rudder. Stupid Question for you both - do you pull your rudder out of the water when you are finished sailing and in the slip each time or do you leave it in the down position all of the time. I have always pulled it out of the water which can be a bit of a pain. Thanks, MTT
Thanks Guys, The dealer did look at the line coming out the bottom of the rudder post and said it looked okay. The dealer thought that the actual rudder post looked like it was shifting - but I couldn't tell. Good idea on the rudder pin - one came with the boat but I have never used it. Given the problems I have had with my first two rudders splitting - I was a bit nervous putting a hole through the rudder itself on purpose. I'm assuming this hole doesn't effect the integrity of the rudder. Stupid Question for you both - do you pull your rudder out of the water when you are finished sailing and in the slip each time or do you leave it in the down position all of the time. I have always pulled it out of the water which can be a bit of a pain. Thanks, MTT
R
ross
Stow Rudder Up
I tie/pin the rudder up when at the slip. Keeps it from getting slimy. Sealing the inside of the hole for the pin with epoxy paint should prevent possible water intrusion. Gregg Emerson at Hunter advocated not painting the rudder a dark color. He said that if you keep the rudder out of the water, the heat build-up could affect the rudder. I've switched to the Idasailor rudder, which solves a lot of these problems.
I tie/pin the rudder up when at the slip. Keeps it from getting slimy. Sealing the inside of the hole for the pin with epoxy paint should prevent possible water intrusion. Gregg Emerson at Hunter advocated not painting the rudder a dark color. He said that if you keep the rudder out of the water, the heat build-up could affect the rudder. I've switched to the Idasailor rudder, which solves a lot of these problems.
M
MToran
Idasailor Rudder
Ross, Is the Idasailor Rudder that good - how would it help in my situation? Thanks, MTT
Ross, Is the Idasailor Rudder that good - how would it help in my situation? Thanks, MTT
J
Joel
IdaSailor Rudder
Mtt, the idasailor rudder is designed to improve the Hunter's performance under sail through the use of a better airfoil shape and modified tip design. The problems with rudders trailing through poor lockdown systems is best addressed with a sacrificial shear pin (we build ours from Delrin rod). When a rudder begins to trail rather than being perpendicular to the waterline, helm effort increases dramatically, along with an interuption in the water flow across the airfoil shaped surface of the blade. This also generally adds to cavitation of the rudder at the waterline, adding drag and reducing effective lifting surface, which causes the need for more helm angle, slows the boat, increases heel, etc. This cycle can end up in a round-up in gusty winds or if the boat is overpowered. All this to say, keep the blade from trailing with a shear pin. If you need a couple 3/8" or 1/2" pins, please write, I'll send them to you, gratis. Our rudder offers enhanced sailing performance; using a shear pin ensures that you get all the performance it was designed to deliver. Hunterowners.com chose to sell our rudders based on our reputation for delivering world-class products at fair prices, I've always offered a money-back guarantee and I've never had a sailor ask for their money back yet. Fairwinds, -Joel Joel Santarone Gen. Manager Idasailor Marine sailboats@idasailor.com
Mtt, the idasailor rudder is designed to improve the Hunter's performance under sail through the use of a better airfoil shape and modified tip design. The problems with rudders trailing through poor lockdown systems is best addressed with a sacrificial shear pin (we build ours from Delrin rod). When a rudder begins to trail rather than being perpendicular to the waterline, helm effort increases dramatically, along with an interuption in the water flow across the airfoil shaped surface of the blade. This also generally adds to cavitation of the rudder at the waterline, adding drag and reducing effective lifting surface, which causes the need for more helm angle, slows the boat, increases heel, etc. This cycle can end up in a round-up in gusty winds or if the boat is overpowered. All this to say, keep the blade from trailing with a shear pin. If you need a couple 3/8" or 1/2" pins, please write, I'll send them to you, gratis. Our rudder offers enhanced sailing performance; using a shear pin ensures that you get all the performance it was designed to deliver. Hunterowners.com chose to sell our rudders based on our reputation for delivering world-class products at fair prices, I've always offered a money-back guarantee and I've never had a sailor ask for their money back yet. Fairwinds, -Joel Joel Santarone Gen. Manager Idasailor Marine sailboats@idasailor.com
J
Jeff Peltier
For shallow water operation,
spring tension is another nice option, as there are no pins to change. I have used this quite effectively for about 5 years now. There are pictures in the photo forum, if you are interested.
spring tension is another nice option, as there are no pins to change. I have used this quite effectively for about 5 years now. There are pictures in the photo forum, if you are interested.
M
Mark
Hey Joel
Good info thanks. Are they available down here?? If not cost and shipping from the states??
Good info thanks. Are they available down here?? If not cost and shipping from the states??
B
Bill and Nancy Berg
Coming down to OZ
I'll be traveling to Tasmania to see our 1st grandchild in August. I could carry a rudder with me and ship it from Hobart. ( I think)
I'll be traveling to Tasmania to see our 1st grandchild in August. I could carry a rudder with me and ship it from Hobart. ( I think)
M
Mark
Hey thats a great idea Bill & Nancy
Can I keep in touch on this however I would not like to inconveniance you both for carrying a 260 rudder through an airport let alone fitting it into a cab might be a problem?? Why do you not concider popping over here for a week and we can go sailing in the Souther Ocean?
Can I keep in touch on this however I would not like to inconveniance you both for carrying a 260 rudder through an airport let alone fitting it into a cab might be a problem?? Why do you not concider popping over here for a week and we can go sailing in the Souther Ocean?
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