Easy-up Rudder

[TexasDan40]

Others have done this mod. I forgot who I copied...but it works.
If you're having trouble lifting the rudders...make this simple mod by adding a shackle with a swivel block.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1247

Good luck.
Te

[Captain Steve]

What holds the rudders down and tight in the brackets?

[c130king]

Dan,

Do your blocks go all the way down in the water? The PO of my boat did a similar mod but the block is on a 12-15" line and never gets in the water.



As for Steve's question my boat came with "pull down" lines run through the transom of my . Once I drop the boards I give the pull down line a tug, hear them clunk into position, and then take the pull down line around the small cleats on the transom that are there to hold the rudder lines. I just use a simple cleat hitch but others have installed special snap out clam cleats so that the rudders can pop up if they hit something. Others have modified the pull down line with bungee cords for the same purpose.

I have found my rudders will still come up even with the cleat hitch if I run them aground.

Cheers,
Jim

[TexasDan40]

What holds the rudders down and tight in the brackets?

My has SS washers in the bracket...that helps keep them snug.

For the rudder hold-down...I cut the original lines such that I have 2 separate lines on each side...measure twice, cut once.
One is for lifting, the other is for holding down. I plan to add a bulls-eye fairlead on each side for the "dead-end" tie downs. Right now I have the dead ends tied to the railing and cleats. I probably add a clam-cleat to each side to for the hold-down lines.http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=12351

Dan,

Do your blocks go all the way down in the water? The PO of my boat did a similar mod but the block is on a 12-15" line and never gets in the water.

Cheers,
Jim

I just installed the mod about a week ago and haven't sailed her since...according to my lift holes and prior sailing, I believe the shackle will be submerged, but the block will be dry...except for splashing. I'll be sailing over the Thanksgiving weekend and will report back.

Straight Tales,
Te

[nedmiller]

We put a auto-release on the rudder hold down lines on our and this summer we were sailing in the Apostles and I heard this 'pop' 'pop' -- The rudders had hit a sandbar and the auto release cleats had done their job! The winds and waves were both up that day and I was cold and so thankful we didn't have a broken rudder (or two!) to have to deal with!
Google Search: Auto-Release Sailboat Cleats CL257 is what I installed. (no relationship to company)
SILK

[TexasDan40]

Sounds like what I need. Found one here at West Marine:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... SiteSearch

Many thanks,
Te

[Paul S]

We put a auto-release on the rudder hold down lines on our and this summer we were sailing in the Apostles and I heard this 'pop' 'pop' -- The rudders had hit a sandbar and the auto release cleats had done their job! The winds and waves were both up that day and I was cold and so thankful we didn't have a broken rudder (or two!) to have to deal with!
Google Search: Auto-Release Sailboat Cleats CL257 is what I installed. (no relationship to company)
SILK

Its what I used on my rudder mod http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1075

the autorelease cleat is great.

[The Mutt]

The rudders on our and a bit on the heavy side, my wife can't lift them at all, I'll give this mod a try when we are out next.

Glenn

[puggsy]

Try this...





with the pulleys mounted on the underside of the rear safety rail...the raising / pulling action is downwards to the cleat...

[c130king]

Puggsy,

I don't think the U.S. models have that aft safety rail...except for those that have stern rail seats. I don't have that rail.

I notice that the models exported to the UK have the safety rails. Possibly that is an Australia certification requirement.

Somebody please set me straight if I am mistaken about this.

Cheers,
Jim

[Captain Steve]

When I asked what holds the rudders down and in the brackets I was thinking about when you transition from power to sail or to a slow speed in a harbor. If you cant pull the rudders into position you are relying on gravity to get them down so the are usable right away as the motors ability to turn your boat(steerage) is reduced. I think the additional down line is needed

[The Mutt]

Try this...





with the pulleys mounted on the underside of the rear safety rail...the raising / pulling action is downwards to the cleat...

Puggsy

The rudders on the don't have a rail directly above like you have on the

Glenn

[puggsy]

Thanks Glenn...did not realise this...

[Kelly Hanson East]

If you are going to cut your rudder lines on an appreciate that they up and down lines should be different lengths, so dont take your line off and cut it in two equal pieces! The down line has to run longer to the bullseye and back up to the rudder so it is longer of course.

A dummy I know well made this mistake last year.

[Québec 1]

If you are going to cut your rudder lines on an appreciate that they up and down lines should be different lengths, so dont take your line off and cut it in two equal pieces! The down line has to run longer to the bullseye and back up to the rudder so it is longer of course.

A dummy I know well made this mistake last year.

Wow didn't think of that! A real pearl of wisdom and good sense. I guess , even if I have not started my easy-up rudder mod I already owe you a beer A real Canadian beer eh
Q1