hunter 23.5, raising the rudder 4 shallow docking

[jotjo]

I bought my 23.5 in November and sail on the lakes in Tenn. B/C of shallow waters near my dock, I have to raise my rudder before docking. My problem is....when I am raising the rudder.....and trying to hold on to the line as I am tighting the 'wing nut' (don't know what that it called??)to secure the rudder in a raised postion.....so I can dock in shallow water. Is there a way to raise the rudder, and somehow "tie it off" so I can tighten the 'wing nut'. Is there an easier way to do this? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Rich]

Clamcleat

I have the same problem. I installed a clamcleat on the port side of the tiller so that it angled down slightly and lines up the rudder uphaul. It works perfectly. I also use it to temporarily hold the rudder down haul while tightening the wing nut.

 

[jotjo]

Re: Clamcleat

did you install the camcleat on the top of the tiller handle? Not sure I understand exactly where it is located? Sorry, as I am new at this?!?!

 

[Rich18826]

Rudder clamcleat

Actually I installed it horizontally on the port side of the tiller just as it starts to bend upward. It angles down slightly toward the stern where the uphaul line comes out under the tiller. You could actually replace the jam cleat under the tiller with a clamcleat but I found easier to use on the side.

 

[jotjo]

Thanks!!

I understand now! Will order a cleat and install when it arrives.Thx! for your replies!John Johnson

 

[CAPT. JOE]

I LET A BLOCK AND TACKLE DO THE WORK

I SINGLE HAND A LOT IN INLAND WATERS...SO I HAVE TO RAISE AND LOWER THE RUDDER OFTEN... I FINALLY GOT SMART AND DRILLED A SMALL HOLE IN THE BACK OF THE RUDDER AND ATTACHED A LINE...I HAVE A SMALL BLOCK AND TACKLE SECURED TO THE MAST CRUTCH (I ALWAYS LEAVE THE CRUTCH IN PLACE..IT JUST SEEMS EASIER THAT WAY AND I USE IT AS A SUPPORT FOR THE BBQ..)AND TO THE LINE ON THE RUDDER..I JUST REACH BACK AND LOOSEN THE "WING NUT" AND THEN HOIST UP THE RUDDER WITH THE BLOCK AND TACKLE..WORKS LIKE A CHARM!!! I WOULD POST A PICK, BUT THE BOAT IS IN WINTER STORAGE FOR ANOTHER MONTH!! GOOD LUCK..

 

[Ed]

4" Cleat

There is a stock 4" horn cleat on the underside of the tiller that the up/downhaul lines run through. Unless you want to completely raise the rudder out of the water it should hold the rudder up for shallow operation. Getting the rudder up completely is another story. That sucker is hefty and a stretch to get at. I've heard of others that went with the lift line like Joe mentioned.