Swing rudder sheering pin

[Roger F]

Has anyone replaced the white sheering pin for their swing rudder. I have a '04 H240 and we had our first scrape with the bottom in a very narrow channel at low tide. Went up front to watch and no sooner than I got there, I was yelling back to my wife to put her in reverse. The keel sraped lightly and I was able to raise it with no problem quickly, but in the process of backing up quickly, the rudder just caught just enough to sheer the plastic pin, no apparent damage to rudder. We used the metal trailering pin to get back to the harbor we were staying in for the night. I did not see that replacement part in the 240 manual.cheersRoger

 

[Drew]

Dealer...

...will have them. I would be very careful operating the vessel with the trailering pin!I snapped several plastic pins (not cheap) before I came to terms with the rope downhaul. It works fine.

 

[Rick Webb]

Bic Pen

I think I remember someone saying they fit

 

[Roger F]

Temporary fix

I did use the roap downhaul at first, but semi rough seas...worried about rope letting go. I figure as we stayed in well open water after that, that the metal pin would be fine. Yes, though, I would like to use a the intended plastic sheering pin before we go out again.

 

[soling42]

Never ever pinned our rudder

We trailered and sailed our 240 a zillion miles in anything you can throw at it and never ever pinned the rudder down. Mostly because our pass shoals change weekly and I just sweep across the bars just about anywhere I choose. I just don't have any respect for shallow water in a boat that draws 18". The fixed keel guys hate that in trailerboats eh? I just keep the rudder down with only one hitch on the cleat and am ready to let it loose quickly. It won't normally come up offshore unless it's not balanced right or it comes loose or wacks something so put a single hitch on it and go sailing. My new 260 has a "high tech" quick release cleat that didn't let go the other day and I've got a serious ding to fix after depending on the "automatic release". I'm back to no pin and keeping it tied rather loosely in case I greet something solid.Loved our 240, The jury's still out on the 260. Have fun.Michael and Kelli

 

[Rick Macdonald]

Michael - quick-release cleat

I have a 95 H23.5; my buddy has a 95 H26. Both our rudders will work themselves up a bit no matter how hard we tighten the big wingnut.I realize the H240/260 rudder is completely different, but your mention of the auto-release cleat caught myt eye.We both bought the Clamcleat Auto-Release Racing Mini CL257, but neither of us has installed it yet.Could I trouble you to look at the link below and tell me if this is the one you tried? You said it didn't release. Was it adjusted too tightly, or what can you say about the incident?...RickM...

 

[soling42]

Thats the release cleat that didn't.

RickNew to us 260 with "auto release" rudder cleat on our rudder that went across an underwater structure(concrete slab/art reef/boat/piling?), No release, which ground off an inch of glass/foam before I could jerk the line loose from the non-functioning release cleat. Cam may have been too tight but could be loosened I'm sure. This problem may be why they offer an upgrade. I'll check it to see if it's one thats known for issues while I'm doing the glass work. Very impessive web site for the release cleat but I'll still only loosely cleat the rudder when not offshore, and you won't find a pin in mine as long as I can tie a knot when I know we're clear. These rudder assy are tender enough without having to take the pressure of an underwater slamming to shear a pin or release a malfunctioning fitting. good luck. Michael

 

[George H260]

Rudder Pin

Everything you were afraid to ask about the H240/H260 rudder is at this link:http://kobernus.com/hunter260/rudder/rudder.htmlPins come 2 to a bag for $6.00 from IdaSailor. I keep several on hand. Last year I used 4 on the ICW and went to the CL257 Clamcleat. I've had no problems since. The cleat releases just fine but the rudder is easily damaged. BIC pens do work but you have to remove the metal ink piece.

 

[Rick Macdonald]

release cleat upgrade

It's not exactly clear, but it seems to me the upgrade makes it stronger so the screw doesn't rip out when adjusted to high release forces. IOW, it doesn't seem like we need the upgrade. Is that how you read it all?The links below are to the release upgrade announcement and details.http://www.clamcleat.com/cleats/cleat_details.asp?goac=true&theid2=127http://www.clamcleat.com/marketing/news_article.asp?theid=2...RickM...

 

[Roger F]

Thanks

Thanks for the great input and suggestions folks!