Rudder Rigging

[davidhanson]

I have just made the maiden voyage with my 1980 Sandpiper 22. The two lines to the rudder I rigged down through the rudder stem and to the two holes in the rudder. It is almost impossible to pull the rudder down into the sailing position and the center bolt is loose enough to allow it to swing free. Did I rig it wrong?

[heekee]

I have the same boat and I have had to replace my rudder line twice so far this year since I need to make a mile long trek up and down a shallow river channel packed with weeds every time I go out.

Unless the rope is getting caught somewhere in the joint I cant think of any wrong way to hook it up if you pulling on the rope that is tied to the base like in this pic. My rudder takes a lot of force to get down so I actually use a buoy pole hook to push it down and once it is started it goes down easier by pulling on the rope. If you hooked it up right you should feel one of the ropes pull when you push the rudder down by hand, I am usually reluctant to put a lot of force on the ropes because I dont want to take the whole thing apart again.

[EmergencyExit]

Excellent helpful pic there Heekee ! Thanks

David, I've also found that if the center hole in the rudder is worn to an oblong shape then the rudder will bind. EE's was almost a figure eight at one point, and I had the same problem.

[hp18carr]

David

If by chance (hopefuly not) your center hole is totally beyond repair, check out Sauerleigh's rudder modification. It's for a c26, but a smaller adaptation may work well on a c22.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora (for now)

[John K]

Also please keep in mind that the rudder floats. So, even if it has freedom of movement on the hard, you have to overcome the buoyancy to get it down. It does take a bit of force to get it down.

[Capt. Bondo]

I have 3/8" rope on mine, makes it easer on the hands when pulling hard.
Once the rudder starts moving it usally moves to the stop easly.

[gregcrawford]

I used a 2-1/2" holesaw on my rudder after clamping on a scrap piece of plywood with a 1/4" hole in it to use as a centering guide. Then I epoxied in a piece of delrin the same thickness as the rudder with a predrilled hole for the pivot bolt. This eliminated the existing badly elongated hole and gave the rudder pivot bolt a durable bearing surface. It seems to work well so far.

[davidhanson]

Much appreciated info. I think the answer is the pole. I did climb over the side and start it down with my foot then I could get it. I'll check the hole but now that I know it's common on older boats (most likely the center hole out of round) I know I didn't rig it wrong. Again..THANKS!