This is an interesting article...written pre-170 but looks relevant. Haven't tried it but answers some feel of the helm questions I've had. Running out of time. Hoped for this weekend but now, damn you Wilma! Joe
Rudder Balance
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Rudder Wing Nut
Jerry, Looking forward to trying this...have been CLEATING rudder all the way in the full down position. One problem I see is with the Hunter Wingnut. Have broken 2 of the nut side so far as plastic is brittle. Probably overtightening too. I have found what I think is a durable replacement. Explain: I run a Lawn & Snow equip repair shop. See lots of captive wingnuts used on handlebars etc. The Hunter setup is 1/4in...most L&G equipment is 5/16. Did find a 1/4 on a product called a 'Mantis Tiller' on handlebars. Very durable, 3 finger vs T shape. Note the Hunter wingnut is a locknut. Feel resistance when turning...won't come undone. Mantis is not a locknut so will also need what's known as a bell or bellville washer. Washer is cupped and compressing provides resistance hence locking feature. I think this will be a better setup vs Hunter. Hunters bolt side of wingnut has worked fine for me. See attached link for Dealer Locator near you. (Note Mantis is a division of Little Wonder) Mantis Part # is 400510. Washer would be local hardware store, Home Depot etc. Might also want a larger washer between rudder & bellville to prevent gouging to rudder. Joe
Jerry, Looking forward to trying this...have been CLEATING rudder all the way in the full down position. One problem I see is with the Hunter Wingnut. Have broken 2 of the nut side so far as plastic is brittle. Probably overtightening too. I have found what I think is a durable replacement. Explain: I run a Lawn & Snow equip repair shop. See lots of captive wingnuts used on handlebars etc. The Hunter setup is 1/4in...most L&G equipment is 5/16. Did find a 1/4 on a product called a 'Mantis Tiller' on handlebars. Very durable, 3 finger vs T shape. Note the Hunter wingnut is a locknut. Feel resistance when turning...won't come undone. Mantis is not a locknut so will also need what's known as a bell or bellville washer. Washer is cupped and compressing provides resistance hence locking feature. I think this will be a better setup vs Hunter. Hunters bolt side of wingnut has worked fine for me. See attached link for Dealer Locator near you. (Note Mantis is a division of Little Wonder) Mantis Part # is 400510. Washer would be local hardware store, Home Depot etc. Might also want a larger washer between rudder & bellville to prevent gouging to rudder. Joe
Wingnut?
Joe, Mine doesn't have a wingnut, just a nylock nut. All I do is cleat the rudder into the full down position. My Precision has a stainless handle about 4 inches long that works real well on that boat. I think I'll look at what my rudder caster is with it cleated all the way down. There have been a couple of times when slowing down for the dock or such that my rudder didn't want to track. Possibly because I have too much caster or balance with the rudder cleated all the way down. JerryA
Joe, Mine doesn't have a wingnut, just a nylock nut. All I do is cleat the rudder into the full down position. My Precision has a stainless handle about 4 inches long that works real well on that boat. I think I'll look at what my rudder caster is with it cleated all the way down. There have been a couple of times when slowing down for the dock or such that my rudder didn't want to track. Possibly because I have too much caster or balance with the rudder cleated all the way down. JerryA
Have a Pic?
Jerry, Could you post a pic sometime of the Precision Handle? Does it fit the Hunter Rudder Bolt? I'd bet the Hunter nylock used to be enclosed in a handle same as the bolt side...just broke off. I'll post mine along with Mantis knob I mentioned earlier. Joe
Jerry, Could you post a pic sometime of the Precision Handle? Does it fit the Hunter Rudder Bolt? I'd bet the Hunter nylock used to be enclosed in a handle same as the bolt side...just broke off. I'll post mine along with Mantis knob I mentioned earlier. Joe
Rudder Wingnut Pic
Pic shows original Hunter T knob setup and Mantis knob with sample bell washer mentioned earlier this thread. Joe
Pic shows original Hunter T knob setup and Mantis knob with sample bell washer mentioned earlier this thread. Joe
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