Can anyone tell me about what the rudder assembly on the 222 should weight? Ours seems extremely heavy for what it is. I would guess at least 80lb total. This makes it pretty hard to move around and attach to the boat. Just wondering if this is just how it is, or maybe someone reinforced this thing a little to good.
Second question is should the bottom half that flips up float or sink? Ours floats and it is a pain in the ass. I have to use a pole or some other item to push the rudder down while I pull on the rope that is attached to the rudder. If the boat is moving at all this is almost impossible. We had an issue today as the boat ramp was not deep enough to put the rudder down, and once we backed out the current was so strong I couldn't shut the motor off. Had to pull this heavy ass thing into the boat put it down, then reattach it. Not easy to do while under way in a very narrow channel.
Had a third question, but forgot it while typing the first two lol.
Questions on Rudder Weight etc.
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THE CUSCUS
- First Officer
- Posts: 344
- Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:59 am
- Sailboat: Venture 25
- Location: North East River, MD
Re: Questions on Rudder Weight etc.
They are fairly heavy, in the 50 lb range, to begin with. The lower half can become waterlogged making it heavier. Dril a hole in the bottom, deep enough to get into the core, and see if water runs out. The lower half should easily be pulled down with the line. How tight is the pivot bolt? Is there side clearance issues? the aluminum plates corroded causing a tight fit?
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Mcadieux
- Deckhand
- Posts: 40
- Joined: Thu May 07, 2015 9:18 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Westport, MA
Re: Questions on Rudder Weight etc.
The rudder swings freely out of the water. What I find is it is just very boyant. Where the rope is attached really doesn't give you the ability to pull it down. Gonna have to take a picture of it tomorrow. Maybe the rope should be attached diffrently. I'll def try drilling a hole in it. Can't hurt to see if it's water logged.
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briantousignant
- Just Enlisted
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 3:40 am
- Sailboat: Venture 2-22
Re: Questions on Rudder Weight etc.
I have a 222 with the same assembly and the same issues.
Mine is all wood assembly and it pivots on dry land fine but gravity is working for you.
I think that bouyancy is the main culprit and I use the pole and rope method as well.
If anyone has a photo of a rope only lowering system it would be appreciated.
Brian
Mine is all wood assembly and it pivots on dry land fine but gravity is working for you.
I think that bouyancy is the main culprit and I use the pole and rope method as well.
If anyone has a photo of a rope only lowering system it would be appreciated.
Brian