Today was the big day. After weeks (really months) of preparation, we launch our 'new' 1985 Hunter 23. I couldn't resist, so before moving over to the slip, we motored around for 2 hours or more. It was just great to be on the water. Only one complaint: The helm felt heavy. It could be just me (I'm used to an 18' one-design), but I noticed that the rudder was not set vertical in its housing and assumed that was the problem. It seemed that the hauldown line had slipped in the cam cleats. I tugged hard and reset the rudder vertical. After a few seconds, it slipped again. Out of frustration, I dismantle the whole assembly (out in the Chesepeake bay), check for snags, retightened the knot, and achived the same result. The rudder is approx. 5 degree off it housing wall. I know this system is for kickout protection(?), but there's got to be a better way. I was considering installing a small pin though the housing walls and the rudder to maintain rudder position. If it hit bottom, the pin would shear.... Maybe? Does anyone have any other ideas? Paul 'VITESS'
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Paul Behnke
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Gary Bridi
Rudder
If the line slips in the cam cleat - could the line be too small or does the cam ckeat need to be replaces? I have a H23 and have not had the same problem. Good luck Gary
If the line slips in the cam cleat - could the line be too small or does the cam ckeat need to be replaces? I have a H23 and have not had the same problem. Good luck Gary
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Jim Kolstoe
motoring helm
Paul, Your letter indicated that you did not sail,and the the problem was a heavy helm while motoring. I noticed that with my '86 h23. I finally came to the conclusion that because the outboard is off-center, it tends to push the boat around its keel, producing a turn to starboard. The answer - turn the motor slightly to the right (as if using your rudder to turn to port). With a little fiddling around, you can get a neutral helm. JIm, Kolstoe, h23 Kare's Boo
Paul, Your letter indicated that you did not sail,and the the problem was a heavy helm while motoring. I noticed that with my '86 h23. I finally came to the conclusion that because the outboard is off-center, it tends to push the boat around its keel, producing a turn to starboard. The answer - turn the motor slightly to the right (as if using your rudder to turn to port). With a little fiddling around, you can get a neutral helm. JIm, Kolstoe, h23 Kare's Boo
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Ward Niffenegger
Check springs.... Replace Line
Before you pin your rudder, I would recommend checking the spring tension and teeth sharpness of the cam cleats and replace it if worn. If the cam cleat is ok, I would replace the line on the rudder. If it is worn in the spot where the cam cleat holds it, it will slip. I would sure try these simple fixes before I messed with the design. If your pin doesn't shear, you have an expensive repair on your hands after something tears or gives that isn't supposed to. Good Sailing Ward
Before you pin your rudder, I would recommend checking the spring tension and teeth sharpness of the cam cleats and replace it if worn. If the cam cleat is ok, I would replace the line on the rudder. If it is worn in the spot where the cam cleat holds it, it will slip. I would sure try these simple fixes before I messed with the design. If your pin doesn't shear, you have an expensive repair on your hands after something tears or gives that isn't supposed to. Good Sailing Ward
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Mike Epp
handle nuts
I replaced the pivot pin with "all thread" and found something at the hardware store called "handle nuts" so I can really crank down and tighten the rudder in position. I take the line out of the cam cleat to prevent it from tearing when I strike something and it needs to pop up.
I replaced the pivot pin with "all thread" and found something at the hardware store called "handle nuts" so I can really crank down and tighten the rudder in position. I take the line out of the cam cleat to prevent it from tearing when I strike something and it needs to pop up.
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Jim Kolstoe
Don't pin the rudder
Since everyone is on the kick-up mech. kick, I'll throw in my 2cents worth. Your keel drafts 2'3", your rudder drafts around 3'. Which means that your solid, well secured iron keel will float right over an object (e.ge - rock or tree stump) that is close enough to the surface be struck by your rudder, and solid enought to break your rudder into a non-functional, two piece fiberglass mess. Sailing on various lakes I have had my rudder kick up several times over the years. The original system works to allow the rudder to give way without breaking. I would not be willing to gamble that I could back-yard engineer an improvement, where the loss may be steering at a time I really need it. I don't think the few degrees from vertical is the reason for your heavy helm. JIm Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
Since everyone is on the kick-up mech. kick, I'll throw in my 2cents worth. Your keel drafts 2'3", your rudder drafts around 3'. Which means that your solid, well secured iron keel will float right over an object (e.ge - rock or tree stump) that is close enough to the surface be struck by your rudder, and solid enought to break your rudder into a non-functional, two piece fiberglass mess. Sailing on various lakes I have had my rudder kick up several times over the years. The original system works to allow the rudder to give way without breaking. I would not be willing to gamble that I could back-yard engineer an improvement, where the loss may be steering at a time I really need it. I don't think the few degrees from vertical is the reason for your heavy helm. JIm Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
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Greg Stebbins
Replace with larger line
Paul, I use a 1/2 or 5/8 line (I can't remember exactly) on my rudder and it works well. The cleat needs somthing to really bite into. Works for me. Give it a try and see if your problem goes away. Greg H23 -Faster
Paul, I use a 1/2 or 5/8 line (I can't remember exactly) on my rudder and it works well. The cleat needs somthing to really bite into. Works for me. Give it a try and see if your problem goes away. Greg H23 -Faster
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Paul Behnke
Thanks!!!
Thanks for all the advice. I'll try a new 5/8" line and if necessary, replace the cleats. In retrospect I agree that a few degrees of "rake" should not result in a heavy helm. So, I'll wait and see how she responds under sail this weekend.. Good sailing to all, Paul
Thanks for all the advice. I'll try a new 5/8" line and if necessary, replace the cleats. In retrospect I agree that a few degrees of "rake" should not result in a heavy helm. So, I'll wait and see how she responds under sail this weekend.. Good sailing to all, Paul
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