Hi, I just bought a pretty nice 1987 Catalina 22. I was in the right place at the right time. Question: What 22's had kick-up rudders? Was it an option? Did some years have it and some not? My boat has the fixed rudder that doesn't kick-up. I'm trying to figure out if I should buy one, build one, or what.... Thanks for any help you can provide! Chris I. Clearwater, FL
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Most C22's have kick-up rudders
The kick-up rudder is more common on the C22 than the 'standard' rudder. The fixed keel boats would tend to have the standard rudder. If you have a swing keel and the standard rudder, it is a rarety. Regards, Ted
The kick-up rudder is more common on the C22 than the 'standard' rudder. The fixed keel boats would tend to have the standard rudder. If you have a swing keel and the standard rudder, it is a rarety. Regards, Ted
Are you sure it hasn't been modified?
I looked at a C22 a few years ago that had a kick up rudder, which had a hole drilled through the housing, and a bolt to lock the rudder in the down position, to keep it from migrating up while sailing. I own a '75 C22, and my kick up rudder would not stay down. I had to step over the stern pulpit several times to stand on the rudder to get some steerage back. I fixed that problem by drilling a hole in the front of the rudder above the water line, and running a heavy bungee thru and attaching it to the housing assembly. Hundreds of nautical miles and never once did I have that problem. I still have a rudder that'll kick up if it hits something.
I looked at a C22 a few years ago that had a kick up rudder, which had a hole drilled through the housing, and a bolt to lock the rudder in the down position, to keep it from migrating up while sailing. I own a '75 C22, and my kick up rudder would not stay down. I had to step over the stern pulpit several times to stand on the rudder to get some steerage back. I fixed that problem by drilling a hole in the front of the rudder above the water line, and running a heavy bungee thru and attaching it to the housing assembly. Hundreds of nautical miles and never once did I have that problem. I still have a rudder that'll kick up if it hits something.
Kick up rudder 
My 1990 C22 (#15110) has a wing keel and came with a kick up rudder. Can't say that it gets a lot of use however.
My 1990 C22 (#15110) has a wing keel and came with a kick up rudder. Can't say that it gets a lot of use however.
Keep the standard rudder
I have a ‘82 model with a swing keel and standard rudder, one of the few that came that way from Catalina. First, a kick-up rudder from Catalina Direct costs $714, and that is before shipping and crating charges. That is more than one of their full batten mains. So, unless you are sailing in shallow lakes, keep that standard rudder. Second, many have written and discussed volumes about modifications and repairs to the kick-up rudders primarily in an attempt to find a satisfactory solution to the tendency to rise or kick-up when one does not wish that to occur. Therefore, a used kick-up rudder may be sufficiently worn that it will require serious effort and a steep learning curve on your part to get it to operate properly. Much work when you wish you were sailing. So, as the standard rudder stays down very nicely on its own, why fix it if it an’t broke. I think you should consider yourself lucky to get a swing keel and standard rudder as this is, as Ted says, an unusual set up and will provide many more years of good service with perhaps only replacing the pintles and gudgeons, but that is another story.
I have a ‘82 model with a swing keel and standard rudder, one of the few that came that way from Catalina. First, a kick-up rudder from Catalina Direct costs $714, and that is before shipping and crating charges. That is more than one of their full batten mains. So, unless you are sailing in shallow lakes, keep that standard rudder. Second, many have written and discussed volumes about modifications and repairs to the kick-up rudders primarily in an attempt to find a satisfactory solution to the tendency to rise or kick-up when one does not wish that to occur. Therefore, a used kick-up rudder may be sufficiently worn that it will require serious effort and a steep learning curve on your part to get it to operate properly. Much work when you wish you were sailing. So, as the standard rudder stays down very nicely on its own, why fix it if it an’t broke. I think you should consider yourself lucky to get a swing keel and standard rudder as this is, as Ted says, an unusual set up and will provide many more years of good service with perhaps only replacing the pintles and gudgeons, but that is another story.
Right Place at the Right Time
Chris: I agree with Bayard that I wouldn't spend $714 to get a kick-up rudder when your standard rudder is fine. But, I do like my kick-up rudder. After reading this string of replies I can immediately think of 3 times in the last 25 years that my rudder "kicked-up", (and wasn't pulled up by me trying to move the boat into really shallow water). When it did kick-up, I was really glad that it did, and nothing was damaged. I use a 1/8 inch diameter nylon shear pin to keep my rudder in the fully down position when we are using the boat. I also have a little block on the rudder, so that I have a mechanical advantage of 2 when I pull on the lanyard to pull it up. This makes is easy to pull up. Chris this info. is more for others reading this reply than for you. Chris, I would say that if you are in the right place at the right time again, and can pick-up a kick-up rudder for a few hundred dollars, and it is in good condition, and if there are shallow areas where you sail, you should buy it. Congratulations on getting the boat. I'm sure that you will be happy with it and enjoy it. I know that my family has certainly enjoyed ours. Aldo
Chris: I agree with Bayard that I wouldn't spend $714 to get a kick-up rudder when your standard rudder is fine. But, I do like my kick-up rudder. After reading this string of replies I can immediately think of 3 times in the last 25 years that my rudder "kicked-up", (and wasn't pulled up by me trying to move the boat into really shallow water). When it did kick-up, I was really glad that it did, and nothing was damaged. I use a 1/8 inch diameter nylon shear pin to keep my rudder in the fully down position when we are using the boat. I also have a little block on the rudder, so that I have a mechanical advantage of 2 when I pull on the lanyard to pull it up. This makes is easy to pull up. Chris this info. is more for others reading this reply than for you. Chris, I would say that if you are in the right place at the right time again, and can pick-up a kick-up rudder for a few hundred dollars, and it is in good condition, and if there are shallow areas where you sail, you should buy it. Congratulations on getting the boat. I'm sure that you will be happy with it and enjoy it. I know that my family has certainly enjoyed ours. Aldo
Thanks for the input/advice...
All, I appreciate the advice regarding the rudder. My problem is that the water is so thin here on the west coast of Florida. I'll have to pay close attention to how often I actually touch bottom with the rudder. I've got a pretty good plan in my head on how I could modify this rudder if needed. I'd use a stainless bolt with a handle through the pivot hole to provide enough friction to keep it down and yet let it kick up if needed.... I'll just have to see how it goes. At least the bottom is nice and soft if I run aground. Thx, Chris I.
All, I appreciate the advice regarding the rudder. My problem is that the water is so thin here on the west coast of Florida. I'll have to pay close attention to how often I actually touch bottom with the rudder. I've got a pretty good plan in my head on how I could modify this rudder if needed. I'd use a stainless bolt with a handle through the pivot hole to provide enough friction to keep it down and yet let it kick up if needed.... I'll just have to see how it goes. At least the bottom is nice and soft if I run aground. Thx, Chris I.
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