RUDDER HOLD DOWN LINE?

[BEEKER]

OKAY, I JUST BOUGHT A 96' 26S BUT CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO WITH THE RUDDER HOLD DOWN CABLE, AND THE PULL UP ROPE. PLEASE HELP.

 

[Bob Cassel]

re: Rudder hold down

The cable should be tied to a line that can be cleated to the cleat on the tiller. It will hold the rudder down when you start making speed, otherwise it will tend to cant upward and give you a dramatic increase in tiller resistance and "weather helm". The pull up line is for just what it says, to lift the rudder or cleat it up out of the way when you are in shallow water or are trailering the boat.

 

[chuck]

rudder hold down line

Installing a jam cleat on the tiller will enable you to pop the rudder quickly in shallow water situations. I connect the cable and rope with a small loop of 100 lb.test line. This will break upon hard impact and prevent a broken cable or damaged rudder. If you experience a heavy helm pull the cable tighter.

 

[Jerry]

Rudder hold down LIne

Please only cleat the rudder down in deep water -- around southport you are in the shallows frequently and if the rudder strikes the bottom while cleated, the steel cable will break (I know)