Mac 25 Rudder question

[Wakulla212]

Hi, I just bought a 1985 Macgregor 25 which needs a bit of work before I get her into the water. I am also very new to sailing so have lots to learn. I am having trouble figuring out how the kick up rudder is supposed to be rigged. At present it is fixed with two bolts, but I know that it should swing up for shallow water/ launching / trailering etc. There is one block attached down near the waterline on the starboard side of the rudder that I believe is used to pull the rudder down into position. I believe that ideally it would stay in place, but if it should strike something it would swing up. I expect shock cord plays a role somehow. Does anyone have a diagram, or photos of how the rudder rigging is supposed to work? The following photo shows what I have. I would sure appreciate any help anyone could provide. I have been able to find answers to a lot of other issues online, but not having any luck on this particular question.

 

[centerline]

Hi, I just bought a 1985 Macgregor 25 which needs a bit of work before I get her into the water. I am also very new to sailing so have lots to learn. I am having trouble figuring out how the kick up rudder is supposed to be rigged. At present it is fixed with two bolts, but I know that it should swing up for shallow water/ launching / trailering etc. There is one block attached down near the waterline on the starboard side of the rudder that I believe is used to pull the rudder down into position. I believe that ideally it would stay in place, but if it should strike something it would swing up. I expect shock cord plays a role somehow. Does anyone have a diagram, or photos of how the rudder rigging is supposed to work? The following photo shows what I have. I would sure appreciate any help anyone could provide. I have been able to find answers to a lot of other issues online, but not having any luck on this particular question.

somethings wrong there.... it looks like a fixed rudder, not a swing up...

a kick up rudder has a 3/4" pivot bolt near the top of the rudder thru the rudder post at the bottom.
your rudder doesnt even look like it would hang down in the water far enough to properly control the boat under sail....
it should hang at least 3ft below the boat....

post a few more photos from different angles, and a close up of the rudder post where the rudder attaches.... it would help

 

[Kestle]

I think the rudder is mounted backwards.

Jeff

 

[justsomeguy]

Here's what your kick-up rudder configuration should look like.

The rudder hold-down on mine is routed to a self-releasing cleat, just in case.

 

[Wakulla212]

More Pictures

Here are some more pictures of what I have. I moved the pivot bolt from the previous photo location and removed the second bolt that was holding it in a fixed manner. This is more like how it should probably be.

 

[Wakulla212]

Thank you, Justsomeguy, That Photo helps quite a bit.

 

[justsomeguy]

You're quite welcome. Looks like you've got it figured out.

 

[finding41]

Looks like you have it. The hole below the pivot point is for a plastic bolt. Plastic so it breaks when you hit something with the rudder.
The releasing cleat is a great alternative and easier to use.
(My Siren has a bungee cord that supposedly keeps the rudder in place. It doesn't work all that well. I have resorted to just tightnening the rudder so it will swing when I hit something but is so tight the water motion won't move it.)

 

[centerline]

the object on the tiller (handle) is a "tiller tamer", its a good little item if you dont have a tiller pilot, but not related to the swinging up of the rudder... search tiller tamer and you will find out how it works.

 

[Kestle]

the object on the tiller (handle) is a "tiller tamer", its a good little item if you dont have a tiller pilot, but not related to the swinging up of the rudder... search tiller tamer and you will find out how it works.

I have one and they work great, if there is no play/movement at the pin/rudder stock intersection.

If there is play, go to McMaster Carr and get a sheave, drill out for it, and have it welded in place on the stock. Also, add some anti-corrsion goo to where they meet, as plain aluminum and stainless will corrode the hole bigger. Some use a plastic insert instead of a sheave.

Jeff

 

[Wakulla212]

the object on the tiller (handle) is a "tiller tamer", its a good little item if you dont have a tiller pilot, but not related to the swinging up of the rudder... search tiller tamer and you will find out how it works.

Thank you. So much to figure out.

 

[Doc_holiday]

Well you came to the right place, hang out here and you will learn a lot.