I have a 1996 Hunter 260 (26?) which I sail alot. I am now noticing that the two black upper rudder section metal plates that bracket the tiller and actual rudder in the water bend noticeably when the boat is under pressure in wind. I don't think it has done this in past years. I'm guessing that I've just worn out the plates and need to get new ones. They just shouldn't be this bendable. They should be stiff. Thoughts? Does Hunter or Idasailor sell these plates, or who else? Comments or suggestions welcome.
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Re the rudder plates
I have a Hunter 23.5 water ballast which I think has a similar rudder to the 260. I have noticed that they will bend a bit if thr rudder is raked backwards becouse it increases the load, but it is intended to be used in full forward position, which has some forward rake. You also have to check that the rubber lining on the inside of the plates is not worn out. Another thing that I done is that since I live in a very hot climate, (Malta, Central Mediterranean), the black plates were becoming roasted by the sun so I painted them white. Nicky
I have a Hunter 23.5 water ballast which I think has a similar rudder to the 260. I have noticed that they will bend a bit if thr rudder is raked backwards becouse it increases the load, but it is intended to be used in full forward position, which has some forward rake. You also have to check that the rubber lining on the inside of the plates is not worn out. Another thing that I done is that since I live in a very hot climate, (Malta, Central Mediterranean), the black plates were becoming roasted by the sun so I painted them white. Nicky
correct response
The stress put on those plates when the rundder is up and not fully deployed down can cause that but if ever need replacing them, you can call Mike Thomas at Hunter whose toll free number is 8007715556 ext 3615.
The stress put on those plates when the rundder is up and not fully deployed down can cause that but if ever need replacing them, you can call Mike Thomas at Hunter whose toll free number is 8007715556 ext 3615.
thanks, dave
My rudder is down, held by Idasailor sheer pins. I will call Hunter on Monday. Thanks. I may have just sailed the beejesus out of these plates and need new ones. Thanks also to the other poster.
My rudder is down, held by Idasailor sheer pins. I will call Hunter on Monday. Thanks. I may have just sailed the beejesus out of these plates and need new ones. Thanks also to the other poster.
I found the cause to flex
The middle bolt spacer in the upper rudder had crumbled allowing the plates to flex. I am trying a self made spacer. If that does not work, I will have Hunter make some of OEM material. Logical solution.
The middle bolt spacer in the upper rudder had crumbled allowing the plates to flex. I am trying a self made spacer. If that does not work, I will have Hunter make some of OEM material. Logical solution.
Upper rudder plates toast
The 2 black upper plates have lost their rigidity. No matter what fix I try, the rudder is squishy in wind and in turns. Totally unacceptable. Anyone bought Idasailor's unifoil high performance rudder and tiller? It isn't cheap but I don't see whar other choice I have as my 12 year old rudder is toast. I already have an Idasailor lower portion rudder which I cannot use in their replacement.
The 2 black upper plates have lost their rigidity. No matter what fix I try, the rudder is squishy in wind and in turns. Totally unacceptable. Anyone bought Idasailor's unifoil high performance rudder and tiller? It isn't cheap but I don't see whar other choice I have as my 12 year old rudder is toast. I already have an Idasailor lower portion rudder which I cannot use in their replacement.
Idasailor H26 rudder blade available
I have ordered a whole idasailor new h26 rudder (top to bottom with tiller and all). My old upper rudder upper assembly failed. Two years ago I purchased an Idasailor H26 rudder blade which is not compatible with the new system. Old blade is in great shape. I was very happy with lower blade. Boat pointed better with it than OEM. Anyone interested in making a fair offer for the H26 idasailor blade?
I have ordered a whole idasailor new h26 rudder (top to bottom with tiller and all). My old upper rudder upper assembly failed. Two years ago I purchased an Idasailor H26 rudder blade which is not compatible with the new system. Old blade is in great shape. I was very happy with lower blade. Boat pointed better with it than OEM. Anyone interested in making a fair offer for the H26 idasailor blade?
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