I modified the rudder mechanism for one of our area owners of a New Hunter 25. Hunter had the right idea, but it needed a little tweaking. In the up position, it would not clear the water when on a lift and on the trailer, it was dangerously low for driving through a dip in a road. The pulley system was also an unnecessary nuisance that was eliminated.<img src = "">
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Nice job on the rudder
Nice job on the rudder. Do you happen to have any pics of the boat showing how it sits on the lift. Do you know what kind of lift it is on. I am thinking about installing a lift at my marina for my new 25, rather than using any bottom paint. I assume that the lift on that boat directly supports the keel.
Nice job on the rudder. Do you happen to have any pics of the boat showing how it sits on the lift. Do you know what kind of lift it is on. I am thinking about installing a lift at my marina for my new 25, rather than using any bottom paint. I assume that the lift on that boat directly supports the keel.
It's on a Shorestation lift
The Model is a 5000# 120" wide vertical lift. Shorestation is a well built quite popular lift up here. They have full length bunks with a channel support under the bunks at 5000# and above to give the hull more support. This was a weak point on the Hunter 26's and 260's. I'm not sure about the quality of the new 25 hull yet. Virtually every one up here puts their boat on a lift. The lift does not support the keel itself, but that is not necessary on trailerable boats as they are typically designed to handle the extra dynamic loads of bouncing around on a trailer.
The Model is a 5000# 120" wide vertical lift. Shorestation is a well built quite popular lift up here. They have full length bunks with a channel support under the bunks at 5000# and above to give the hull more support. This was a weak point on the Hunter 26's and 260's. I'm not sure about the quality of the new 25 hull yet. Virtually every one up here puts their boat on a lift. The lift does not support the keel itself, but that is not necessary on trailerable boats as they are typically designed to handle the extra dynamic loads of bouncing around on a trailer.
Thanks for the lift info
Thanks for the lift info. I would be a little concerned about it not having support under the keel. The new 25 trailer carries much of the boat weight directly on the keel using a runner that the keel sits on. On my lake most everyone uses hydrohoists as all of our docks are floating ones with lots of depth variation over the year. If I don't have to directly support the keel, then a hydrohoist would be easily set up. If I do need to support the keel, I think it can still be done, the adjustment will just be a bit more critical.
Thanks for the lift info. I would be a little concerned about it not having support under the keel. The new 25 trailer carries much of the boat weight directly on the keel using a runner that the keel sits on. On my lake most everyone uses hydrohoists as all of our docks are floating ones with lots of depth variation over the year. If I don't have to directly support the keel, then a hydrohoist would be easily set up. If I do need to support the keel, I think it can still be done, the adjustment will just be a bit more critical.
Rudder Mod for the new Hunter 25
Hi Jeff, I have a Hunter 25 which I just bought used. My steering rod attaches from the outboard to the side of the rudder post. Needless to say, it doesn't work and the boat steers terribly. I saw your motor hookup, which attaches forward of the rudder post. This is what I need. Can you tell me where you got it or the make of the steering rod system? Thanks, Barry
Hi Jeff, I have a Hunter 25 which I just bought used. My steering rod attaches from the outboard to the side of the rudder post. Needless to say, it doesn't work and the boat steers terribly. I saw your motor hookup, which attaches forward of the rudder post. This is what I need. Can you tell me where you got it or the make of the steering rod system? Thanks, Barry
Info for Barry
Barry, I used a piece of 1 1/2" aluminum angle to extend the hole 8" in front of the rudder pivot point, which was the same as the motor. For the connecting rod, I used 3/8" aluminum shaft and bent the ends at 90 degrees with a 1/8" hole in each end for a retaining clip. If you get it within 1/4" or so, you can fine tune the alignment by moving the motor to the right or left a bit. On the rudder end, use a quick release clip tied to a string, so it isn't coupled when you raise the engine. This minimizes steering drag when you are sailing. If you have problems with the rod not staying where you want it when sailing, you can attach a piece of bungee cord to hold it where you want it.
Barry, I used a piece of 1 1/2" aluminum angle to extend the hole 8" in front of the rudder pivot point, which was the same as the motor. For the connecting rod, I used 3/8" aluminum shaft and bent the ends at 90 degrees with a 1/8" hole in each end for a retaining clip. If you get it within 1/4" or so, you can fine tune the alignment by moving the motor to the right or left a bit. On the rudder end, use a quick release clip tied to a string, so it isn't coupled when you raise the engine. This minimizes steering drag when you are sailing. If you have problems with the rod not staying where you want it when sailing, you can attach a piece of bungee cord to hold it where you want it.
Boat lift info
Jeff, We do have a few Hydro lifts, up here, but none that I know of with sailboats on them. What brand are they using down there. The 5000# shorestation, that is a common sailboat lift up here, has a 54" vertical lift, so it has pretty good range and the list of sailboats that I know have used it are the Hunter 260, Hunter 235/240, Hunter 25, Catalina 250, Catalina 25, Capri 22, and Seaward 26RK. None have the extra keel support.
Jeff, We do have a few Hydro lifts, up here, but none that I know of with sailboats on them. What brand are they using down there. The 5000# shorestation, that is a common sailboat lift up here, has a 54" vertical lift, so it has pretty good range and the list of sailboats that I know have used it are the Hunter 260, Hunter 235/240, Hunter 25, Catalina 250, Catalina 25, Capri 22, and Seaward 26RK. None have the extra keel support.
lifts down here
Mostly what I see down here are Hydrohoist brand and Galvalift brand lifts. They are almost always the kind with the floating pontoons. I have a ski boat on one, but I can't really test it on the Hunter as the dock the lift is in is covered. This does sound promising though.
Mostly what I see down here are Hydrohoist brand and Galvalift brand lifts. They are almost always the kind with the floating pontoons. I have a ski boat on one, but I can't really test it on the Hunter as the dock the lift is in is covered. This does sound promising though.
Re: Info For Barry
Thanks Jeff. Did someone fabricate the bracket for you? If so, I would be willing to pay for the bracket. I don't have the means to make it. Otherwise, would you have a drawing or a few more pictures so that I can see how the bracket attaches to the rudder post? Thanks, Barry
Thanks Jeff. Did someone fabricate the bracket for you? If so, I would be willing to pay for the bracket. I don't have the means to make it. Otherwise, would you have a drawing or a few more pictures so that I can see how the bracket attaches to the rudder post? Thanks, Barry
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