Does anyone know what is the purpose of the blue bungee chord on the rudder pod? Mine is missing on the boat I just purchased.
Hunter 216 Bungee Chord On Rudder Pod
- Thread starter Mike216
- Start date
Ok, so the bungee wrap around the front of the rudder when the rudder is lifted up to pull it backwards and "lock" it up.
Is it a reliable locking mechanism? Could I use it when trailering?
Is it a reliable locking mechanism? Could I use it when trailering?
Welcome to SBO!
I wouldn’t chance leaving it in place while trailering ($900 + USA for new one! )
My rudder has a loop on the top to grab to pull it up and/or out.
Lots of info here including manuals
Parts for 216 here
Your welcome. Lots of helpful people here!
The boat is a lot of fun. Did you get a bowsprit - asym?
I didn't but it would be fun to have. Might be a bit of a handful though since I mostly sail single handed.
That "VARA" rudder is just damage waiting to happen, so be careful. When I owned that boat, I abused the rudder and cassette by grounding, forgetting to raise the rudder when trailering, dropping the rudder insert, etc. and it is expensive. Get in the habit of removing and storing the rudder at the ramp, and having the swing-keel down when in thinner water. If you hit the bottom of the rudder, it will lift the top of the cassette from the cassette barrel. The bungee you noted was not useful for keeping the rudder up.
That’s interesting. I have only used mine at the boat ramp, as soon as I’m in water deep enough I push the rudder all the way down.
I replaced mine when I bought the boat, used a large diameter bungee and set it fairly tight. Sometimes I find it’s challenging to even push down so I just assumed it would hold the rudder at whatever depth it was set for. I sail in deep water so have never had the need to experiment.
I do find that the rudder setup has more “self tracking” ability than a traditional transom hung model. I’m not sure if it’s because the rudder is “inboard” or the original owner rebuilt the cassette and made it have more friction but I can let go of the rudder to attend to something (assuming sail trim is good) for quite a while before the boat starts to “wander”
Hi, new to the forum and new to the 216 as well. I’m sorting out the same issue and looking to replace the bungees. Mine came with two yellow bungees that had plastic protectors over them, I saw the kit for sale I think on this site.
I also saw an image and can’t find it now of some wedges or similar that are used to insert into the slots on the sides of the rudder?? Any one have more info on these?
I also saw an image and can’t find it now of some wedges or similar that are used to insert into the slots on the sides of the rudder?? Any one have more info on these?
Welcome to the forum, @Terriblerabbit ! Great boat - she'll give you a good ride and carry you home safely. Rudder is the weakest part of that boat, and I believe when they re-designed in the past few years they abandoned the VARA rudder for a stern mounted one. Same hull shape, which will plane if you've got enough wind and courage.