I have had problems with bent rudder pins, and twisted lower rudder castings twice in two years. When sailing in high winds I will oftern furl the jib, as I run 40 lbs. under class weight. Someone said I'm really loading up the rudders when I do that. I already have the rudders raked under the boat fairly far forward, as I have my mast raked well back, and I don't feel much, if any weather helm when switching to main sail only. Two questions. 1. Has anyone else had this problem with bent rudder castings and pins? 2. Has anyone reemed out the rudder gudgeons to replace 5/16" pins with larger 3/8" pins, to keep them from bending, and keep rudder castings from twisting? The damaged rudder popped up once on a upwind leg, heavy air, double trapped. I suppose this could have caused the trouble as I sailed the leg before snapping back down.
Thanks,
Paul, Hobie 20 #805
Hi Paul,
I recall you having those problems with your castings. I wouldn't recommend going to a larger pin. I still use the old system of upper and lower pins. I once lost the upper pin at Spirit Lake, and the rudder turned and bent the remaining lower pin at an almost 90 degree angle. Ouch!
I must say though, that had the pin been a lot stronger, it may well have ripped one of the gudgeons right out of the transom, a much more expensive repair for sure!
Also, if you ream it out, how are you going to use your bushings?
Good luck,
Tim J.
Hey Paul,
This is a common problem with the two pin system. They get bent. It is caused mostly by sailing with the rudders up. What I try to do is leave the beach very slowly while trying to put as little pressure on the rudders as I can until I can get them locked down. Leave the main sail very loose and try to steer with the sails while the rudders are not locked down. You will notice that you stop bending the pins when you don't put the extra pressure on them.
The only time I twisted a casting was when I was backing my boat up on land one time and the rudder fell down but I didn't notice. The rudder turned 90 degrees and bent the hell out of the casting.
I also would not suggest buying the bigger pins.
Mike Hill
H20 #791
Get some long one piece pins! Works much better and much stronger