Rudder rides up in weather or with weather helm

[Chris B]

My rudder wont stay down. The factory handle has finally worn out so currently have a large nut instead, which doesn't hold. Am thinking about through-bolting the rudder in place between the aluminum side plates, with a brass bushing 404'd in place to protect the rudder. I seldom need the 'swing up' feature but would leave that option open by using a wing nut or type of lock-pin for the through bolt. What works best? Thanks.

 

[steve c]

same problem

i used a wing nut on my eye bolt then i drilled a hole through the aluminum and the rudder and put in a removable locking pin i got from west marine

 

[Dan F]

same problem

My rudder kept coming up when I ran into kelp. I drilled a hole in the rudder and put in a rivet with the rounded head exposed next to the aluminum plate. This still allows a pop up if I hit something hard but it now add a little more friction to keep the rudder down.

 

[David Bergevin]

locking handle

I took a combination box end wrench and ground off the open end, welded a locking s/s nut on and used it instead of the galvanized handle. The galvanized handle actually stipped out the threads.Next I took the rudder assembly apart and cleaned all the surfaces. They were caked with years of salt and gunk of unknown origin.(boat originally from Florida)I took the spring and rivet out and drilled a 1/2 inch hole through the rudder blade and filled with epoxy, sanded, and reinstalled. This will prevent water from getting in the core of the rudder. (I have broken several off prior to learning this trick).I then drilled a 1/4 inch hole through the "old" rivet hole and through the opposite side aluminum rudder plate. A fiberglass dowel (Hobie-Cat rudder pin) was placed in the hole and cut to fit. It will shear if you strike an underwater object. Voila! No more rudder kick-up. After breaking several of those, I now carry several spares in the boat. A philips screwdriver punches them out easily.The lake I sail on has submerged floating logs after heavy rains on occasion.