H260 Rudder Cracking

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 26, 2016

photo please

Kermit · Jul 26, 2016

The shear pin goes in the vertical hole so you don't lose it. You don't use it while the rudder is down. Or at least I don't.

John23883 · Jul 28, 2016

I broke mine and replaced it from Rudder Craft and paid extra to get the wooden tiller as well.
https://ruddercraft.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=164_41&product_id=307

isaksp00 · Jul 29, 2016

I assume you mean that the two halves of the shell are separating from each other (that is, the right half from the left). If you buy some supplies (epoxy, maybe some fiberglass cloth, maybe some epoxy filler) from an outfit like West Marine, it isn't all that hard to repair - if you are somewhat handy. I have repaired gouges and some minor seam separation on my H23 rudder. Depending on how wide that seam/crack is, check if the internal foam is wet - if so (and I assume it is because you have an open seam) you will need to let it sit for a while to dry out. If you are comfortable trying this, it should be much less costly than a new rudder (though some of these newer rudders have advantages over the stock ones).

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 29, 2016

concur with the above response but a photo would sure help for some good advice

George H260 · Oct 24, 2016

PaytonG said:
Hey guys,

We just purchased a 2001 260 and took her out for the first sail and after a few days came to check on the boat and found that the rudder is splitting right down the middle. Is this a common issue? I'm assuming we will have to replace it so do you all recommend going to fiberglass? Lastly, where does the Shear Pin go when the rudder is in Down position? Checked the manual and can't find any info on that.

George H260 · Oct 24, 2016

Because the H260 rudder flexes, stress cracks appear on the aft edge. The fiberglass shell is thin and easily damaged. Water can infiltrate into the core due to the cracks or when you drag it on the ramp, drop it, or hit a rock. This minor damage is easily repaired with a little glass fiber and epoxy. Don't take this rudder for granted -- inspect it frequently.

IdaSailer Marina used to make a solid fiberglass rudder that got good reviews. Not sure it is still available. I made a emergency rudder that I stored in the port locker.

Click Here http://h260.com/rudder/rudder_problems/rudder.html to read about my experience with the rudder. I carried a spare on long trips.

Crazy Dave Condon · Oct 25, 2016

George260;
There are many issues causing failure and I am well informed. Causes can be numerous for example running aground hitting solid debri causing a split sailing in shallow areas, steering with the rudder up while motoring putting extra stress on the head, failure to raise the rudder somewhat when putting on the trailer allowing it to hit the ramp and/or trailer and so forth. I have seen a lot which is not due to failure in construction but that of the skipper; however there have been times when Foss Foam replaced the rudders because the primary issue was a new employee failing to follow proper procedures in manufacturing and I can give credit to the manufacturer for admitting fault. Even when a rudder is raised out of the water with it painted in dark either anti fouling paints and/or barrier coatings will cause the inside of the rudder to heat up and split which is why I asked that question when selling these boats when I was a dealer.

I did prove if the head of a rudder split you could drill a hole in the top and fit it back and sail with it in a fixed down position back to the dock which happennned to me. Foss Foam not only replaced it but advised what was wrong asking Hunter for a recall on some due to employee negligence.

Hope this helps for you to understand some of the pitfalls that I endured when asked to be involved handling warranty for Hunter with some customers who were grateful for Hunter and I making them whole. Now that the old Hunter is gone and most of the folks there too are gone, there are good replacements as noted; however, one member of the forum store is a former Hunter dealer who was involved in warranty and retail sales and is in my books the entire staff of the forum's store can be trusted which I do not say lightly.

dave condon former of American Marine & Sail Supply, Inc.

GGordonWoody · Oct 27, 2016

George, this is fantastic.

George H260 said:
Click Here http://h260.com/rudder/rudder_problems/rudder.html to read about my experience with the rudder. I carried a spare on long trips.

Thanks man, that's a keeper. The spare is a great idea. The 3/4" ply could get me back to the slip on our little pond, but can't imagine it helping you much on yours. Hard to imagine someone snapped the solid HDPE panel too, but that shoulder near the head sure seems like a good place for a crack. Maybe a hollow, water-ballasted, titanium rudder is called for. Or SS. With a zinc, of course. Just lift up rudder, pour out water. Might harvest some titanium panels from the aviation graveyard in AZ. (or just buy a spare boat for less $$). [Edit] Actually just need the rudder off an old piston pusher - then cut to fit.

Crazy Dave Condon · Oct 28, 2016

carrying a spare rudder is a good point but adds gear to the boat which in a way is in the way staying on board. IF concerned, get the other product to alleviate fears. However, if you carry a hacksaw (portable) and small drill with a few bits as part of your tool inventory on board, then you can cut the head of the rudder away and drill a hole in the remaining what I call head of the rudder in a fixed down position and still be able to sail and get back to your trailer. Did that