Here is a video showing my solution to the problem of rudder kick-up during accidental grounding. Note the change to 3/8" rudder line to allow enough wraps around the cleat.
There were a lot of questions about this technique on a FB thread, so I just video'd it instead of trying to explain. It's worked in multiple grounding events, although it's still quite a severe impact.
<iframe src="https://onedrive.live.com/ ... ></iframe>
Why is motorized steering so hard with rudders down
- Starscream
- Admiral
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- Joined: Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:08 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Montreal, Quebec. 2002 26X - Suzi DF90A
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OverEasy
- Admiral
- Posts: 2929
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:16 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: NH & SC
Re: Why is motorized steering so hard with rudders down
Hi Be Free!
That is so cool!
We didnโt even know such a thing existed!!!
That is SOOOOO much better than what weโve used!!!
We did the break away string as an impromptu fix with what we just happen to have aboard at that moment.
(And,
like a lot of things in life that are impromptu solutions of the moment
, sorta just kept being used
โฆ )
What youโve done is SO much more well thought out and practical!
No more teasing the Bull Sharks!

Do you recall where the cleats came from or what they are called?
Thank you!!!!
Best Regards
Over Easy



That is so cool!
We didnโt even know such a thing existed!!!
That is SOOOOO much better than what weโve used!!!
We did the break away string as an impromptu fix with what we just happen to have aboard at that moment.
(And,
What youโve done is SO much more well thought out and practical!
No more teasing the Bull Sharks!
Do you recall where the cleats came from or what they are called?
Thank you!!!!
Best Regards
Over Easy
- Be Free
- Admiral
- Posts: 1919
- Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:08 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Steinhatchee, FL
Re: Why is motorized steering so hard with rudders down
Here's one at West Marine.
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/clamclea ... t--1158443
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/clamclea ... t--1158443
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
-
OverEasy
- Admiral
- Posts: 2929
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:16 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: NH & SC
Re: Why is motorized steering so hard with rudders down
Hi Be Free!
Thank you!
A pair will be on order as soon as we get back down South.
Again thank you!
Best Regards
Over Easy



Thank you!
A pair will be on order as soon as we get back down South.
Again thank you!
Best Regards
Over Easy
-
OverEasy
- Admiral
- Posts: 2929
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:16 am
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: NH & SC
Re: Why is motorized steering so hard with rudders down
Hi StarScream!
The video link comes back as an error messageโฆ
Best Regards
Over Easy



The video link comes back as an error messageโฆ
Best Regards
Over Easy
- Be Free
- Admiral
- Posts: 1919
- Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:08 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Steinhatchee, FL
Re: Why is motorized steering so hard with rudders down
Look around. West Marine is seldom the least expensive option. They are great when you need it today though!
I don't know if you noticed but there were two fairleads on the transom to route each of the white ropes from the bottom of the rudder up toward the cleat. Altogether it's two cleats, four fairleads, large lifting line (easier on your hands), small downhaul line, and shock cord.
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
