Rudder Lock Down Rigging advice...

[abk]

I have a M25 with a wheel (no tiller) and have used a pencil, a screwdriver, and a aluminium shaft from a arrow to hold the rudder in the down position while sailing.

The screwdriver (shaft) is to rigid and if I ran aground it would probably rip the rudder. So I stopped using it. (even if it was the easiest to place in use)

The pencil works too and it would break and allow the rudder to not rip if I were to run aground. But, it swells up and I have to shave it to make it fit anyway.

The arrow shaft is a problem to work into the holes... Too thick, but I did break and allow the rudder to tip up with no damage when I did run aground, but it is hard to remove.

I was thinking of a cam cleat with a line that would snap out if grounded...

Anyone have some thoughts on what would be best?
What do you use?
What would you use?
Would you have any photos of a cam cleat system in use or any suggestions on where and how to mount it and the specific model that would work the best?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, comments and ideas!!!

 

[Sumner]

Have you see duckworks.....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/rigging-1.html

It has worked great for us. I mounted it on the other cleat that was there, but it isn't needed and and I'll probably take it off.

It works great, easy to put the rudder up or down and it only releases when it should.

I'm not sure how the lines are setup on an M, but if you could use one of these I'd try it,

Sum

 

[caguy]

I used a cl257 automatic rudder cam cleat and mounted it on the rudder channel near the top. The cleat doesn't show in the picture. I have since added a small block to the bottom. Some people use a cheek block below.
The system really works. I ran into some kelp a couple of weeks ago and the cam popped.
Before this I used to used plastic bolts found in the plumbing department in most hardware stores (used to hold toilet seats in place). I got tired of bending over the transom and losing sunglasses.

 

[JDK]

I also use the CL257 and wouldn't have it any other way. Holds when it is supposed to and releases when contact is made.

JDK

 

[Justin_NSA]

I just got mine - haven't installed it yet. How may turns do you guys use? Any idea what the tension is set at?

 

[MrBill_FLL]

I have the auto release cleat too.

I have also used grey plastic toilet supply lines, cut to shape, and added a ring to pull them out. fairly ridgid but hollow.

I have yet to have the auto release cleat pop.

 

[JDK]

Justin, there aren't turns as one would think, but rather an angle of around 90 degrees with a plus at one end and a minus at the other as I recall. I have mine set at the middle and it's never released unexpectedly. It's good to pop them out and in a once in a while to make sure they aren't stuck (Cheney may not be as hard on them as the Gulf, though).

JDK

 

[Justin_NSA]

Thanks JDK. It didn't come with any directions, I just remember seeing a screw head on top and reading online that you can set the tension.

When we sail, my C/B will drag before the rudder hits but when the reservoir is low in the fall we are coming in to the slip area with the C/B up halfway, there's a good chance of hitting the silt and getting caught.

 

[caguy]

There is a eliptical disk that adjust the release tension. I set mine to max and it popped just fine.