Immobile SL-140

[1life2live-liveit]

Up the creek without a rudder!!

I recently went out on what appears to be an SL-140 14', made in Traverse City, MI by Anchor Fiberglass about 40 years ago, and caught the boom to my face during a tack. Needless to say, I took a swim in the drink, the boat capsized, in fear of my life ending as an alligator terd, I quickly got the boat upright and felt absolutely proud of myself. After readjusting my line I went to grab the rudder and to my horror, it was gone. My options at this point are limited, and I'd appreciate any feedback as to where I might find a replacement, maybe even someone selling their SL-140, underwater metal detectors, etc. I'm keeping an open mind to all ideas, and trying on get back to the water ASAP.
Thanks!

 

[WayneH]

Well, you're not the first person this has happened to.

http://forums.pda.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=650840

I like the magnet idea for finding it. Then I think I would tie a line from the rudder to the boat for the next time. 14' is fun but you tend to get wet on the smaller boats. LOL. I know I capsized my 16' Sunbird a couple of times.

 

[Eric M]

As mentioned in the other thread linked above, many small boats use similar rudder / tiller assemblies. Check around for a sunfish, Laser, 420, or other similar rudder, any would probably work fine on your boat. Check out the Rudder Lift stop in the photo at
http://www.apsltd.com/gallerypopup.aspx?GalleryID=1662
This part is a small metal spring piece that prevents the rudder from poping out of the pivot points and going overboard as yours did. You will definately want to install something similar on your boat with your new rudder.
Good Luck

 

[1life2live-liveit]

Thanks for the feedback guys