Hi,
My rudder lines are quite chafed after two seasons of heavy use of my 26M and I need to replace them with new ones. Clearly the looped rudder lines that go from the rudders and up through the stern fit very snugly through the stern holes and ditto the end fitting within the rudders themselves. I do not want to mess the job up! Has anyone done this job and has tips on how best to do it? How to thread new lines through the small stern holes and secure them in the rudders does not seem immediately obvious to me. Many thanks.
Andrew
"Jacquinot" 26M
I would seriously suggest you use 2 lines of different colour... when the situation hits the fan you may need to know exactly which line takes a rudder up in a hurry before other things run aground. I've done so on one side and am now looking at replcing a wrecked prop as I had to steer a narrow channel while holding a rudder half up while figuring out which bit to cleat off. It was rather ugly.
To get the second line thru a small hole, feed the end then pull the other rope to get it through. It is not a hard jod to replace.
Some use a shock cord to keep the rudder down whilst maintaining a kick up ability should you hit something. Good idea in my book.
Call me if you like, 0788 1963 949 and I'll try to help.
Cheers
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there is.