H26...Rudder down haul/up haul rigging?

[abk]

I sure could use your insight on a rudder down haul solution for my 1996 wheeled H26? When I lower it it isn't easy to have it settle in the fully extended down position.

Also, There is an up haul line attached but is not possible to raise it all the way up. With a boat hook I grab a loop i tied to the rudder to haul it out of the water.

Any ideas, solutions, photos etc are welcomed and thanks in advance for your reply...

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

ABK;

If I recall, there is a turning block attached to a line which is attached to the forward top of the rudder head inside a tube. It gave a 2 to 1 purchase for pulling the rudder up for easier raising vs. a 1 to 1. Can you take a photo or reference a photo to where I can look specifically at the rudder head.

In addition, is there a dealer tag on the back end of the boat to identitify who originally commissioned that boat. If your boat has wheel steering it could have been one of mine as not many dealers installed wheel steering on the original 26 water ballast.

 

[Sanman]

After having the same problem with our 26 (tiller) we upgraded to the Rudder Craft/ IDA sailor "High performance kick up rudder". The difference in handling was light years ahead, and the EZ lift system with Pneumatic assist was spot on. It was a direct 1 to 1 replacement with no modification to the boat.

I'm not connected in any way with Rudder craft, and their system isn't inexpensive, but the product, result, and customer support are top notch, and was the best thing I have ever added to that boat. Well worth the money.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

always good to hear what is available out there. Thank you Sanford H. for sharing even though it is costly

 

[cephius (Dave)]

The H260, with the sugar scoop stern, allows me to stand on the boarding step when raising and lowering the rudder. Here's how I do it.

To lower, I drop the rudder down to where it is floating. I take up all the slack on the down-haul line. I start the rudder moving down with a push of my foot. I use this momentum to haul the rudder home.

To raise, I let loose of the down-haul line and let the rudder float up. I take the slack out of the up-haul line. I reach out as far as I can and grab the up-haul line. I pull up and take a turn on the cleat. When I reach out again, I can grab the rudder and pull it the rest of the way up.

I keep one hand on the stern pulpit for both operations. Again, this is all made possible because my boarding step allows me to work aft of the transom.

 

[abk]

Hi Dave, I will send you photos this weekend. There is a line coming from the rudder that raises the rudder. But it is very hard to start the raising process and I am unable to raise it all the way with this line. I usually raise it to a horizontal position and boat hook a loop tied to the rudder to haul it up completely.

Dave, you may have commissioned this boat. I have a receipt on the boat I canlook at. What was the name of your dealership?

I also have a mystery inspection plate on the floor near the galley that you said you didn't install. It may have been a po mod you didn't do though.

 

[Kermit]

The H260, with the sugar scoop stern, allows me to stand on the boarding step when raising and lowering the rudder. Here's how I do it. To lower, I drop the rudder down to where it is floating. I take up all the slack on the down-haul line. I start the rudder moving down with a push of my foot. I use this momentum to haul the rudder home. To raise, I let loose of the down-haul line and let the rudder float up. I take the slack out of the up-haul line. I reach out as far as I can and grab the up-haul line. I pull up and take a turn on the cleat. When I reach out again, I can grab the rudder and pull it the rest of the way up. I keep one hand on the stern pulpit for both operations. Again, this is all made possible because my boarding step allows me to work aft of the transom.

+1

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

American marine & sail supply, Inc. and I shut that down when retiring

 

[Regular Guy]

As in the owner's manual shown (picture 2) I put a single block in the rudder up-line. Have to say it's very easy to pull the rudder all the way up, especially with at least 5/16" line diameter.
The down-line should be routed to have a 3:1 by using the bushing and a single block (picture 3) Make sure to route the line turning the bushing in the same direction.
At the time I routed the down control line just via that single block (inside the pipe) 2:1 as the up-control line.
I have to give the rudder a kick down by foot from the floating state then, when pulling at the line, the rudder goes down fairly easy all the way. It gives me sometimes wet feet and it probably would do the job much better with the 3:1 routing. I am going to change it to 3:1 next time.
My down line is 1/4" to accommodate the release cleat, which has saved probably some damage on the rudder when hitting ground.

 

[abk]

As in the owner's manual shown (picture 2) I put a single block in the rudder up-line. Have to say it's very easy to pull the rudder all the way up, especially with at least 5/16" line diameter.
The down-line should be routed to have a 4:1 by using the bushing and a single block.
At the time I routed the down control line just via that single block (inside the pipe) 2:1 as the up-control line.
I have to give the rudder a kick down by foot from the floating state then, when pulling at the line, the rudder goes down fairly easy all the way. It gives me sometimes wet feet and it probably would do the job much better with the 4:1 routing. I am going to change it to 4:1 next time.
My down line is 1/4" to accommodate the release cleat, which has saved probably some damage on the rudder when hitting ground.[/quote____________________________
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Thank you very much for your reply... I have a 1996 H26 not a 260. It is also equipped with a wheel and the rudder assembly photos and diagram that you were kind enough to post are not anything like the way my rudder is configured.