re-rigging rudder downhaul

[Justin_NSA]

It was a nice weekend for a change. One of my goals was to test fit my new IdaSailor postrisor and tiller. I will be IdaSailor from the helm to the water. The new riser has a plastic grommet/bushing for the downhaul that looks like it was intended for rope - not the factory steel cable. The cable would probably saw thru the bushing.So my question is: Has anyone replaced their steel downhaul cable all the way to the rudder with line? Is there a problem with chafing from the tube? This is a picture from IdaSailor

 

[novelman17128]

rudder downhaul

My rudder from Idasailor for my 22', 1971 Venture came with single line for both pulling it up and fastening it in the down position. It also has two plastic clam cleats, one for each. I have used it for a year, including in heavy weather, with no problems. I keep my line to hold the rudder in the down position tight by pulling it through its clam cleat. How does your new rudder compare with the old one for weather helm? Mine greatly reduced the weather helm and allows me to tie down the tiller and sail for long periods.Novelman

 

[Justin_NSA]

same setup?

Hey Novelman, thanks for commenting. I'm not sure if we have the same setup. How does your downhaul get routed from the rudder to the cockpit. My 26S cable passes thru a metal tube and I am concerned about chafing on the lower end if I go to rope. When I bought my new rudder a couple years ago it did not come with any line, maybe because I told Joel I would be bolting it to the cable.I plan on replacing my horn cleat (not shown in IdaSailor's picture) with two (a double) clam cleat(s) like you have. Today, either the uphaul or downhaul have to be secured elsewhere when I have one of them tied to the cleat. I've never sailed my Mac without the IdaSailor rudder so I couldn't tell you how much it improved the handling. Other members on the forum with 26C's say it make a big difference.

 

[novelman17128]

rudder downhaul

I'm not positive how it is routed but I'll check this week-end when I will be sailing. I've been very happy with both the rudder and the tiller and would recommend both to anyone. My last rudder (the original) was destroyed when I hit something in the water while beating off of Anacapa Island. It was a real chore to return using the motor since there is very little control of it in the cutout on my boat. I'm considering installing a Stainless Steel adjustable motor-mount. Have you any experience with this?Novelman

 

[Stan Breaux]

I have on my 26S

I didn't use fancy rope, either.I haven't sailed too much with the rope, yet... probably just 30 hours so far, but it's still working, not too chafed.I do use the breakaway bolts on my rudder about 1/2 the time, though, and once that is in place, there is no more tension on the rudder downhaul line.If it ever chafes all the way through, and I'm out on the water, then I'll probably regret it, but it's also incredibly easy to replace.Also, the reason I replaced the wire was because the wire chafed through.

 

[Stan Breaux21640]

Doug, Where did you get the brackets

That support your mast crutch?I'd like to move my mast crutch back so I can steer with the mast down.

 

[Justin_NSA]

nice mods

Doug, you have a lot of nice mods. Your rudder setup is very similar to what I'm doing, right down to the routing around that rod inside the tube. I'm looking for a double clam cleat for my uphaul and downhaul.Thanks for the info everyone!