I'm sailing in shallow waters affected by tides. I'm concerned about the rudder not kicking up when it touches bottom. The tiller has a regular cleat to tie down the rudder, but I'm concerned about tearing something asunder should I hit bottom and the line is cleated. I plan on pulling the rudder down and then tightening the tension nut found on the side of the rudder housing but not cleating the rudder downhaul line. I figure if it will hold the rudder up it will holf it down. Any suggestions? Will my idea work? I love a new boat but I hate all the new challenges. Thanks Hayden
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Do not tie it off
I do not tie of the rudder line on my 23.5. I just had my rudder kick in a low area. Worked just fine.
I do not tie of the rudder line on my 23.5. I just had my rudder kick in a low area. Worked just fine.
Rudder question
Hello Hayden, Yes you are on thr right track with leaving the rope uncleated and tightening the wing nut side clamp, when the rudder is at the correct angle this will put enough pressure to hold it down with the kick up featuru in effect. It takes less presure than I would have guessed. Now, if the sailing gods bless you, may you "never need" the kick up feature. Good Sail To You.
Hello Hayden, Yes you are on thr right track with leaving the rope uncleated and tightening the wing nut side clamp, when the rudder is at the correct angle this will put enough pressure to hold it down with the kick up featuru in effect. It takes less presure than I would have guessed. Now, if the sailing gods bless you, may you "never need" the kick up feature. Good Sail To You.
How about a spinlock?
Hayden, I was having the same problem until I removed the cleat and installed a spinlock 5/16", I think. It only takes a flick of the wrist to release the spinlock and the rudder comes right up. It also holds in down real tight. Jim S/V Java
Hayden, I was having the same problem until I removed the cleat and installed a spinlock 5/16", I think. It only takes a flick of the wrist to release the spinlock and the rudder comes right up. It also holds in down real tight. Jim S/V Java
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Tiller Woes
I have also had some problems with the rudder on my 240. The tension nut has never had much "hold" to it. Even when i tighten the rope, it doesn't hold the rudder down well. It is a real art to get the bolt in the right spot so that when tight it doesn't interfere with left tiller. How well does the spinlock work? Looking for suggestions..........
I have also had some problems with the rudder on my 240. The tension nut has never had much "hold" to it. Even when i tighten the rope, it doesn't hold the rudder down well. It is a real art to get the bolt in the right spot so that when tight it doesn't interfere with left tiller. How well does the spinlock work? Looking for suggestions..........
Tension nut
If the tension nut is not holding the rudder down you may need to look at other issues with the rudder bracket. I just overhaul my rudder during my recent hual out. I would check all the bolts on the rudder mount. When I re-assemblied the rudder and tightened the bolts the rudder was to loose, even with the tension nut tight. I talk to my buddies in the boat shop and we tightened up the lower bolt a little more and then re-tightened the tension nut and it was a lot better. We found the lower nut has a lot to do with the tension on rudder, ensure both nuts are tight enough to hold the rudder in any position.
If the tension nut is not holding the rudder down you may need to look at other issues with the rudder bracket. I just overhaul my rudder during my recent hual out. I would check all the bolts on the rudder mount. When I re-assemblied the rudder and tightened the bolts the rudder was to loose, even with the tension nut tight. I talk to my buddies in the boat shop and we tightened up the lower bolt a little more and then re-tightened the tension nut and it was a lot better. We found the lower nut has a lot to do with the tension on rudder, ensure both nuts are tight enough to hold the rudder in any position.
Cleat Not
We've never cleated but only used the tension nut with no problems. It makes sense -- if the CB can kick up, the rudder should too. BEWARE: if you suddenly develop wierd handling characteristics or excessive weather helm, the rudder may have kicked up a couple of inches. It's not obvious but makes a world of difference at the helm. Ken S/V WouffHong
We've never cleated but only used the tension nut with no problems. It makes sense -- if the CB can kick up, the rudder should too. BEWARE: if you suddenly develop wierd handling characteristics or excessive weather helm, the rudder may have kicked up a couple of inches. It's not obvious but makes a world of difference at the helm. Ken S/V WouffHong
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