in florida shallow waters

[hons221]

Hi, I have a 91 Mac and have always saied in deep waters but now I am in Fla and am wondering if there is a way to rig my rudder so that if I hit something my rudder snaps up vs breaking the cable. Hope someone can help. Thanks Peter

[opie]

Sure. Just take the rudder line fairlead that is lowest down and hacksaw out a portion 3/4ths the diameter of the line (just guessing about the width (or maybe score it partly through), try it out with some similar plastic first). Now when the line is forced, it will pop out. A commercial fairlead could be made with a force-trip on it that will let go appropriately. In my many rudder hits, some times I dragged the rudder with nothing breaking (soft mud), two times I broke the line, and one time I busted out the lower fairlead when the line did not break, and several times I had the rudder line cleated so poorly that it just released the line.

Others have mentioned bungee-cords and maybe we will hear from them.

For those that are ready to smirk at your playing around in such shallow water, as for me, that is where the Mac shines in the backwaters of NC.

Of course, it would be inconsiderate of the boater to the environment to take the boat into grassy areas here where nature is growing creatures, as well as you not going into coral or grasses in Florida. I am assuming you are beaching the boat, getting out of channel to avoid crowds, or enjoying the Florida Bay?

[Hamin' X]

Try reading this thread:

Rudder Cleat Question 25' 1980 Mac

I found it using the search function at the top of the page. Very useful.

~Rich

[opie]

Embarrassed not to have 'searched' first. Anyway, I am going to make some wood shearpins today as the link suggests. Sounds effective.

[rick_26S]

Peter,

I experienced the same problem with my 26S. We moved to SW Florida from Wisconsin, where we mostly sailed on the deep waters of Lake Michigan. Now we launch at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, in the Caloosahatchee River, where the shallow water is treacherous (not to mention we now have tides to deal with). I was using a 1/4" line to hold the rudder down, and after twice limping back to a dock to re-rig the rudder hold down, I decided to search for a remedy. What I found is priceless. It's an auto-release cleat that I mounted on top of the tiller. I got it at the local West Marine, however they had to get it out of a California warehouse. It's adjustable from 50 to 500 pounds of force that will pop it open. Mine is at the minimum setting. Now when we sail, I don't worry about those pesky shallow spots. When the rudder hits the ground, the cleat pops and releases the line. When we pass the shallows, I simply close the cleat and re-insert the line. It's a must have for shallow water sailing.

Here it is. http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/cl ... /index.htm

Stop in at your local West Marine and you'll find it in their catalog.

Happy sailing

Rick
Mac 26S - Mental Floss

[rick_26S]

Peter,

I forgot to ask, where in Florida are you?

Rick

[bubba]

I know that our rudders are about the same as a Hobie Cat 16' or 18' and there rudders kick up on hard contact why not use the same design for the Mac's for shallow water.

[hons221]

Hi, Thanks to everyone who responded for my rudder and mast raising problem. I am here in Punta Gorda Fl and normally sail in the Finger Lakes in upstate NY where waters are deep and season is short. I would like to have a bimini for my 91 Mac but not a lot of height for a bimini. Has anyone found a good solution? Thanks for all you help. Great forum. Peter

[nchogberg]

I sail in Biscayne Bay out of Black Point marina.

Question, having spent time in the rear bunk replacing the lower rudder fairleads. Would y'all rather buy these release clutch gadgets or do the bungee option? The clutches look like a great solution but using a bit of bungee on the rudder lines seems awfully easier and cheaper.

Nels

[Lloyd Franks]

I agree Nels. Bungees are easier and cheap to replace. And work too. Hey, where you been? Haven't seen you in ages.

[nchogberg]

Hi Lloyd,

My Mom was in town for a month, she is in her 80's and cant sail due to her health so we hadn't been out since before Christmas.
Now I am having problems with my control box(throttle/shifter) I had to remove the kill switch, which broke, and hosed up it up. No reverse and part throttle in forward. I will be there Sat. morning with a buddy to try and sort it out.

Nels

[jcasale]

Nels
I had to opportunity to visit Black Point marina, the marina in Homestead and two more while I was in Miami this past week; I wish I had taken my boat with me. Do you keep your boat at the mast up storage area at Black Point? If so do you know what the rates are? I saw 7 or 8 Macs and a few other boats there. I was able to sneak into the fenced off area and take a look around and kept thinking that the set up was great. With 5 ramps, long piers and food, fuel ,pump out and ships store on site that was one of the best public facilities I have seen. I am jealous. I did have a question about the "public moorings" I saw labeled on the maps at the ramp. How often are they available, have you ever spent the night on one and do you have the lat/long or know where I can get the info. I am planning a two week trip to the Keys in April and I want to get all the info I can. Thanks-

John
Atlantic Beach, Fl
2000 , Honda 30hp

[DaveB]

Rick, next time we meet up I will have a closer look at that release. I looked at the design and leads and may have a problem with the X for space, I will also need two.
Bungie cords do not hold up well here in FL. and probably need replacement every 6 mo. and that would be a maintance I wouldn't allow.
Are you going to the Cayo Costa trip with the WCTSS in March?
Dave

[rick_26S]

Peter,

I have a bimini a friend gave me off a 26X. It fits my 26S perfectly. You're welcome to come and have a look at it.

Dave,

I'll show you that cleat next time we see you. I am planning to go to Cayo Costa in March. I even have some vacation time now, so I'm hoping to get out there early on Friday.


Rick

[nchogberg]

Hey JCASALE, I left you a PM about rates etc.

Nels