Rudder hitting propeller

[Dan Ulrich]

Winter is on it's way so it's time to post for spring. Has anyone had a problem with the rudder hitting the outboard prop? I was thinking of putting anti-cavitation plates (rubber) on the outboard for the express purpose of avoiding contact with the rudder. Has anyone done this, and how does it affect performance of the motor, if at all?

 

[Beau Lawrence]

maybe link the rudder to the motor

There is a couple of photos in the photo forum on linking the two together.I have seen a real easy way with a bungee cord and a line.Let me know if you want more info.

 

[John Drost Jr.]

THIS WORKS WELL FOR ME

IHAVE A FOIL ADDED TO MY 7.5 MERC. AND IT WORKS WELL TO KEEP THE PROP FROM HITTING ANYTHING. I ALSO USE A LONG BUNGEE CORD ACROSS THE STERN AND WRAPED AROUND THE TILLER TO KEEP IT GOING STRATE AND USE THE MOTOR TO MAKE THE TURNS.

 

[Peter]

Beau, I for one would be interested in your design of a simple way to keep the rudder from hitting the propeller of the outboard. While my boat is not a H23, it is an H185, I have had that problem. Any simple, but effective, way of keeping the rudder of the prop would be very useful. Can you post to this list? Thanks, Peter S/V Katy Kaye

 

[Dick Leis]

Motor guard

John D. mentioned using a "foil" and this may or may not be to what he is referring. I have added a 1/8 thick "D" shapped aluminum plate to the horizontal plate of my outboard on the side that faces the rudder. Should either outboard or rudder meet, this plate makes contact, rather than the propeller which is below in the shadow of this plate. The plate is pop riveted in place with marine sealer between the two to prevent corrosion. I also keep the motor out of the water when not in use. A commercial product is sold which does the same thing and clamps in place.

 

[Dan Ulrich]

Prop Protector

Does anyone know of the "commercial product" referred to in Dick's posted response?

 

[John Drost Jr.]

THE ONE I USE IS MADE BY STINGRAY

DICK, THE ONE I USE IS MADE BY STINGRAY AND YOU CAN GET IT AT WALLMART. IT IS MADE FROM PLASTIC. IT MOUNTS TO THE CAVATION PLATE WITH BOLTS IN HOLES YOU DRILL IT TAKES ABOUT 1/2 HOUR TO INSTALL AND DUE TO ITS SHAPE IT ADDS LIFT TO THE STERN LIKE AN UNDERWATER WING, JOHN D.