The rudders on the 260 have been a topic of conversation over the years and I know that there is a company in the US who make a retro one. This past weekend I sailed around the coast for about 50 mile and coming back the second rudder fitted to her snapped leaving a long sail balancing the sails. Mmmm So where to from here. Importing another Hunter rudder a retro or making my own and thinking that aluminium would be the choice. Has anyone made their own. Might I say that the yacht is now seven years old and Hunter have been fantastic with their customer service and this in no way reflects on their product.
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Rudder replacement
Mark, I have a new rudder assembly on order from IdaSailor which I expect to receive and install in the next few weeks. I will report on it once used for a while. They also make a replacement for your model which you can see here http://www.idasailor.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=41&products_id=403 . They are very service oriented and stand behind their product. You can contact Joel Santarone, General Manager directly at the # listed on their site. He is very helpful. Pat
Mark, I have a new rudder assembly on order from IdaSailor which I expect to receive and install in the next few weeks. I will report on it once used for a while. They also make a replacement for your model which you can see here http://www.idasailor.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=41&products_id=403 . They are very service oriented and stand behind their product. You can contact Joel Santarone, General Manager directly at the # listed on their site. He is very helpful. Pat
H260 Rudder
Mark: Lots of info on my experience with the H260 rudder at this link: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/rudder/rudder.html Regarding constructing a rudder of alternate materials: I carry a spare on long trips. I also keep it out of the water when not in use, this prevents water from getting into the core. You could make it out of aluminum or wood but it might be so strong that you damage the rudder post/pintle. Just a thought....
Mark: Lots of info on my experience with the H260 rudder at this link: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/rudder/rudder.html Regarding constructing a rudder of alternate materials: I carry a spare on long trips. I also keep it out of the water when not in use, this prevents water from getting into the core. You could make it out of aluminum or wood but it might be so strong that you damage the rudder post/pintle. Just a thought....
Hello Mark
I have a 5 year old 48" Ida Sailor rudder on my 260 that has seen some pretty nasty conditions in the Sea of Cortez and elsewhere and done very well. I know LK has had problems with them, but I haven't. I think that next time I head for Mexico with my 260 I will carry a spare, even if I just make one out of plywood for peace of mind. Ross
I have a 5 year old 48" Ida Sailor rudder on my 260 that has seen some pretty nasty conditions in the Sea of Cortez and elsewhere and done very well. I know LK has had problems with them, but I haven't. I think that next time I head for Mexico with my 260 I will carry a spare, even if I just make one out of plywood for peace of mind. Ross
My responce
I've had two Idasailor rudders brake on me. I would recommend that you get the short one for the 260. Idasailor has been great at replacing the broken rudders. The second one, just last week, was sent to us in three days and we were charged $65 for shipping. I have been told by Joe, that in his experance only 4 or 5 rudders that Idasailor makes have broken. Maybe I just am unlucky. Everynight I pull the rudder out of the water and love it, talk to it, pray to it, hugg it, and call it george. I don't know the answers, hell Most of the time I don't know the questions. We are doing the LOOP (7,800 mile trip)sailing and motor-sailing, so we have to depend on the boat. It (the rudder)is a big concern for us. LKYusnret S/V Baums Rush
I've had two Idasailor rudders brake on me. I would recommend that you get the short one for the 260. Idasailor has been great at replacing the broken rudders. The second one, just last week, was sent to us in three days and we were charged $65 for shipping. I have been told by Joe, that in his experance only 4 or 5 rudders that Idasailor makes have broken. Maybe I just am unlucky. Everynight I pull the rudder out of the water and love it, talk to it, pray to it, hugg it, and call it george. I don't know the answers, hell Most of the time I don't know the questions. We are doing the LOOP (7,800 mile trip)sailing and motor-sailing, so we have to depend on the boat. It (the rudder)is a big concern for us. LKYusnret S/V Baums Rush
Anything would be an improvement of stock rudder
....because it's a terribly weak link. Glad you got back in safely. As we've seen, not only is the stock one obviously weak but it has the shape of a slug as does the centerboard. Even the Idasail replacements aren't without problems. I know rudders are a tough design area for strength but we're seeing a lot of issues for such a critical component. I say try to build a better one and share your results. I'd be happy to stow my retched stock one as a spare. I know production costs reign but a sleek after market aluminum or composite blade would be a sweet addition and most likely stronger, safer and faster. Maybe a simple vacuum bagged honeycomb/carbon composite blade has potential. Outrageous lateral loads have been overcome by prop mfg and even high tech windsurfing skeg designs. Why not here. After a prototype or two a good fabricator (alum or composite) could build them pretty efficiently even at low volume. I'm certainly interested, Good luck and keep us informed. Michael
....because it's a terribly weak link. Glad you got back in safely. As we've seen, not only is the stock one obviously weak but it has the shape of a slug as does the centerboard. Even the Idasail replacements aren't without problems. I know rudders are a tough design area for strength but we're seeing a lot of issues for such a critical component. I say try to build a better one and share your results. I'd be happy to stow my retched stock one as a spare. I know production costs reign but a sleek after market aluminum or composite blade would be a sweet addition and most likely stronger, safer and faster. Maybe a simple vacuum bagged honeycomb/carbon composite blade has potential. Outrageous lateral loads have been overcome by prop mfg and even high tech windsurfing skeg designs. Why not here. After a prototype or two a good fabricator (alum or composite) could build them pretty efficiently even at low volume. I'm certainly interested, Good luck and keep us informed. Michael
Something that may not help
The original rudder that came with my yacht fitted the rudder stock "neat". No slop at all. However the repacement rudder that Hunter kindly sent over to me, when put into place even with the bolt tightened up secure flopped from side to side. The side packing paltes where fitted to the rudder. I am wondering if the rudder stock has bent out over time allowing the rudder to flop and so break. Mmmm just a thought for the rudder box/stock does not look all that strong...
The original rudder that came with my yacht fitted the rudder stock "neat". No slop at all. However the repacement rudder that Hunter kindly sent over to me, when put into place even with the bolt tightened up secure flopped from side to side. The side packing paltes where fitted to the rudder. I am wondering if the rudder stock has bent out over time allowing the rudder to flop and so break. Mmmm just a thought for the rudder box/stock does not look all that strong...
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