F235 rudder bolts

[Neil]

My (new) F235 (wing keel version) is moored in a berth that is exposed to lots of boat wake. To minimize the boat's to-ing and fro-ing in the berth, I decided to back it into the space so the bow and not the stern meets the incoming wake while it's moored. The problem is that the inner end of the slip is rather shallow - in fact, when bigger-than-average wake rolls in, the rudder touches the bottom pretty hard! I really would rather not turn the boat around so I'm wondering if I can conveniently leave the rudder raised a but while the boat's moored.The lower nylon rudder bolt is too hard to reach from the cockpit or even the dock so I wonder if I can just leave that one loose all the time (so it won't impeed raising the rudder in the berth) and try to hold the rudder up just with the upper bolt. However, these bolts are VERY stiff (any tricks to make them turm more easily?) so I'm concerned that frequent adjustment may break them off (I've already had to buy a new pair because the bolts that came with the boat were split). How much will a loose lower bolt affect the boat's sailing performance? Is there a better way to securely hold the rudder about a foot while it's in the berth? I think if I can raise it to the point where the tiller pushes against the stern lifeline, it will be high enough and I won't have to unship the tiller.Any advice will be much appreciated.Neil

 

[George]

Wedge?

Those nylon bolts are not cheap!! I spray them with McLube, WD-40, BOE-109, silicone spray -- whatever I have close at hand when I am ready to turn them, otherwise they seize and twist off. I had one the top one break even though I use the spray on it.RE leaving the bottom bolt loose: You can try it and see if you get much movement of the rudder within the bracket as you are sailing. If not, you should be okay. If you do get undesirable movement, the only thing I can think of is using a wedge that can be inserted and removed between the bolt and the rudder -- realizing that this will create some scraping along the rudder.Good luck!George

 

[Kelly Holsten]

A terrible system to begin with

Sadly, the whole mounting system for the rudder in the 235 is a string of errors, in my opinion, with those swine nylon bolts leading the way. I really think in any sort of air of substance over 10knts, you will REALLY want both of those screws in service, as they are barely enough on their own; the lack of a lower attaching point will cause serious movement in fresh conditions when changing course. I dont even think you need that much air to cause problems, actually. It's a faulty design.Still, I dont think it too hard to tighten both bolts before a sail. Purchase the correct socket size and an inexpensive ratchet from Wal-Mart/K-Mart (this for obvious reasons). I just step down on the swim ladder a rung and access is not too hard.On the other hand, if the water is frigid, things are not too lovely. At the very least, if wanting to get some tension on the rudder, you could rig up the contraption pictured in the link below. This would give the rudder some security and less slop, even with the lower bolt loose. I still think it wise to tighten the lower bolt as it will want to move and have some slop due to the serious fulcrum. But the line and cleat solution would help hold it up and in place to a great extent while sailing.Ultimately, the rudder system is one of the weak points in my opinion but things can be done to remedy.kellyhttp://www.beneteau235.com/