Rudder Kick-up Preventer.
Hello Tom: I made a washer from 1/4" thick soft red rubber, about 5" in diameter with a 3/8" hole for the tightening bolt. Glued it to the rudder so it is between the rudder & the aluminum frame. When the handle is tightened, the washer provides enough friction so the rudder will not kick up easily. I replaced the original tightening handle with a SS handle with the 3/8" bolt welded to it. My Catalina handle was made of bronze & the female thread stripped. If this happens while sailing, (as mine did) you are in big trouble. I had a 3/8" nut in my tool box so was OK. Regards, Bob B.
