Rudder pop-up

[Darren Mayes]

Well, was motoring in yesterday and all of a sudden was not getting any response as wheel was turned. Low and behold the rudder had floated up to the top of the water. Bad feeling.Anyway, I have put it down as far as I am able to without getting completely in the water. Any suggestions on getting it the rest of the way vertical without getting wet?Thanks,Darren

 

[CORKY TROTTER]

rudder

This rudder question keeps coming up in this site. My 260 has a down haul that I use to get down. It takes a good pulll but works. Yes, it is fixed in the down position and cleated off so is at risk if it hits something but that is the risk with all rudders. You an tighten the nut on the inside of the rudder to keep down but that will make it harder to get up and down. I beach mine alot so we are always raising and lowering our rudder.CorkyMeriCay

 

[MArk]

Auto release cleat

Hey Darren and Corky,Here's a site with an adjustable auto release clam cleat. This device gives you the advantages of a cleated downhaul but still lets the rudder kickup if you hit something hard.Scroll down on the link below to see an animation of how this works.Happy (fusion powered) sails *_/),MArk