I installed (actually had it installed) a device to connect my rudder to my motor. I talked about this quite a bit here before it was done. (I'll attach the photo.) I haven't had the boat in the water (weather and holidays) -- but will launch any day now. Looking at it today, though it seemed to me that I won't be able to steer as sharply as I can without it attached (difficult to know for sure what that means on the trailer). Anyway, my question to those who have such a contraption (esp. on the 26) -- any problems along that way? If it is true, will I be, in fact, in worse shape than I was before attaching the two together? Thanks for any help. Michael, s/v Mystic H26
Steering Devices
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I installed (actually had it installed) a device to connect my rudder to my motor. I talked about this quite a bit here before it was done. (I'll attach the photo.) I haven't had the boat in the water (weather and holidays) -- but will launch any day now. Looking at it today, though it seemed to me that I won't be able to steer as sharply as I can without it attached (difficult to know for sure what that means on the trailer). Anyway, my question to those who have such a contraption (esp. on the 26) -- any problems along that way? If it is true, will I be, in fact, in worse shape than I was before attaching the two together? Thanks for any help. Michael, s/v Mystic H26
Link
I know several people on this site swear by this type of hook up. I prefer to not connect them. With them not connected I can turn the motor 90 degress and spin the boat quicker. It also allows you to play them against eachother when needed. I back into my slip and prefer to just lean over the back and stear with my left hand on the outboard and my right on the rudder. Just my preference. I'm sure more people will respond prefering to have the two connected.
I know several people on this site swear by this type of hook up. I prefer to not connect them. With them not connected I can turn the motor 90 degress and spin the boat quicker. It also allows you to play them against eachother when needed. I back into my slip and prefer to just lean over the back and stear with my left hand on the outboard and my right on the rudder. Just my preference. I'm sure more people will respond prefering to have the two connected.
Link
I know several people on this site swear by this type of hook up. I prefer to not connect them. With them not connected I can turn the motor 90 degress and spin the boat quicker. It also allows you to play them against eachother when needed. I back into my slip and prefer to just lean over the back and stear with my left hand on the outboard and my right on the rudder. Just my preference. I'm sure more people will respond prefering to have the two connected.
I know several people on this site swear by this type of hook up. I prefer to not connect them. With them not connected I can turn the motor 90 degress and spin the boat quicker. It also allows you to play them against eachother when needed. I back into my slip and prefer to just lean over the back and stear with my left hand on the outboard and my right on the rudder. Just my preference. I'm sure more people will respond prefering to have the two connected.
You will like it
I have a similar setup on my 260 and it makes docking a lot easier. True, you can not turn as tight with OB and rudder connected but you seem to have the quick disconnects. So if needed you can just disconnect. The biggest advantage is that you can stand and look forward when approaching a dock or pier.
I have a similar setup on my 260 and it makes docking a lot easier. True, you can not turn as tight with OB and rudder connected but you seem to have the quick disconnects. So if needed you can just disconnect. The biggest advantage is that you can stand and look forward when approaching a dock or pier.
You will like it
I have a similar setup on my 260 and it makes docking a lot easier. True, you can not turn as tight with OB and rudder connected but you seem to have the quick disconnects. So if needed you can just disconnect. The biggest advantage is that you can stand and look forward when approaching a dock or pier.
I have a similar setup on my 260 and it makes docking a lot easier. True, you can not turn as tight with OB and rudder connected but you seem to have the quick disconnects. So if needed you can just disconnect. The biggest advantage is that you can stand and look forward when approaching a dock or pier.
Rudder - Engine Connection
The differences in engine/rudder designs between boats require these connections to be tweaked to make them operate efficiently. The connecting rod should not significantly restrict the potential side-to-side movement of either the rudder or engine. The engine should be able to be raised without disconnecting the rod. At least that's the way mine works. I've tested my boat with and without the connection and the difference in turning radius is significant. Sean is correct - The H260 backs better than any sailboat I've seen.
The differences in engine/rudder designs between boats require these connections to be tweaked to make them operate efficiently. The connecting rod should not significantly restrict the potential side-to-side movement of either the rudder or engine. The engine should be able to be raised without disconnecting the rod. At least that's the way mine works. I've tested my boat with and without the connection and the difference in turning radius is significant. Sean is correct - The H260 backs better than any sailboat I've seen.
Great in tight quarters
I find the rudder/engine connection to be of great value in tight quarters. You can turn much tighter and have better control since you can direct the thrust of the motor to help turn the boat -- even with the reduced steering angle. I leave the connector off unless pulling up to the dock -- my boat is on a mooring. It is always disconnected while sailing with the motor pulled up. Fair winds... Tom
I find the rudder/engine connection to be of great value in tight quarters. You can turn much tighter and have better control since you can direct the thrust of the motor to help turn the boat -- even with the reduced steering angle. I leave the connector off unless pulling up to the dock -- my boat is on a mooring. It is always disconnected while sailing with the motor pulled up. Fair winds... Tom
Works Well
I have a connection similiar to yours on my H26 and it works very well in making tight turns - far better than having motor in fixed position. Great for docking. But like Tom, I disconnect when sailing and use it only when docking. That way, motor can come out of water with no problem.
I have a connection similiar to yours on my H26 and it works very well in making tight turns - far better than having motor in fixed position. Great for docking. But like Tom, I disconnect when sailing and use it only when docking. That way, motor can come out of water with no problem.
Went out today
There was no wind at all so I practiced turning and docking with the rudder/motor connection. It will take some getting used to -- I liked it in some ways, and didn't like it in others. The motor pivots just about all it can -- but the rudder, of course, doesn't. It is much better when I turn to starboard than when I turn to port. For those of you who have such a thing -- question: Would there be any value in moving the motor connection (see photo above) aft on the motor, maybe even a bit to the starboard side? It seems as if that would buy me a little more turn to port. ?? Thanks.
There was no wind at all so I practiced turning and docking with the rudder/motor connection. It will take some getting used to -- I liked it in some ways, and didn't like it in others. The motor pivots just about all it can -- but the rudder, of course, doesn't. It is much better when I turn to starboard than when I turn to port. For those of you who have such a thing -- question: Would there be any value in moving the motor connection (see photo above) aft on the motor, maybe even a bit to the starboard side? It seems as if that would buy me a little more turn to port. ?? Thanks.
Motor Connection
Mike, The connection on my H26 is the same on the top of the rudder, but the bar goes to the back of the top of the engine. I drilled a hole in the plastic cover to hold the bar. I don't know if this will help the movement or not, but I never had a significant problem. Experiment and see what difference it makes. Good Luck.
Mike, The connection on my H26 is the same on the top of the rudder, but the bar goes to the back of the top of the engine. I drilled a hole in the plastic cover to hold the bar. I don't know if this will help the movement or not, but I never had a significant problem. Experiment and see what difference it makes. Good Luck.
Move rod to the center
Mike, If you are experimenting with a different locations, try moving the attachment on the motor side to be more in the center of the motor
Mike, If you are experimenting with a different locations, try moving the attachment on the motor side to be more in the center of the motor
Thanks for the ideas
Ron -- any problems with the plastic cracking or weakening? Bob -- how is yours attached? Thanks!
Ron -- any problems with the plastic cracking or weakening? Bob -- how is yours attached? Thanks!
Steering Device
There might be a significant difference between your 26 and my 260. This gives you a better idea of how the rod runs horizontally from the rudder post to the back of the engine. As a result, you can raise and lower the engine without disconnecting the rod.
There might be a significant difference between your 26 and my 260. This gives you a better idea of how the rod runs horizontally from the rudder post to the back of the engine. As a result, you can raise and lower the engine without disconnecting the rod.
EZ Steer
Mine is the EZ Steer. It attaches to a clamp on the rudder post and a clamp around the motor shaft. Both ends are close to centerline and have ball & socket joints.
Mine is the EZ Steer. It attaches to a clamp on the rudder post and a clamp around the motor shaft. Both ends are close to centerline and have ball & socket joints.
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