Today I rigged my Catalina 22 and was ready to go. I was sailing in the Mississippi and, between the wind and current, I decided to use the outboard to get out. I had to rig the mooring lines to hold the boat in place until I could move away from the dock. I put the motor in gear and headed out. I was watching both lines and pulling them as as I headed out. It was going pretty good as I pulled the last foot of line in. I was steering with the outboard and was moving my hand to the tiller when it jumped, came off the gungeons and disappeared into the river. I set a course, dropped the main and circled around. I needed to get right back to dock to ensure that no one ran over my rudder with their trailer. No problem motoring back and I docked fine. I tied up and waded into the water - cold. God was smiling on me and I walked right down the ramp and stepped on the rudder. After a deep breath and a quick swim I had my rudder assembly back.
1. My rudder currently has an issue where I can't lock it up. I now know that this needs to be fixed immediately.
2. I should secure my rudder. I do so in my smaller boat but have never done so in my larger boat. I'm open to suggestions on how to do so.
In any case, secure your rudder and make sure you can lock it up when needed.
Man I was blessed today. The fishermen certainly got a kick watching me swim today.
1. My rudder currently has an issue where I can't lock it up. I now know that this needs to be fixed immediately.
2. I should secure my rudder. I do so in my smaller boat but have never done so in my larger boat. I'm open to suggestions on how to do so.
In any case, secure your rudder and make sure you can lock it up when needed.
Man I was blessed today. The fishermen certainly got a kick watching me swim today.