Posted: Sep 13, 2014 - 09:31 AM
Bob, I just went through the templet trick on my rudders after I installed the updated rudder system and Aussy gudgeons on my H18. I followed the instructions to the letter, I checked and rechecked, I used the lay over type templet and then checked with old hole to new hole templet, then I re checked and EVERY thing matched. So then I drilled my holes in one rudder, guess what.... it was off so far I couldn't get the rudder to lock in the up position and it wouldn't adjust for any sort of proper trim. So what I did was filled the holes, then I used the approximate rudder pivot hole and then lifted the rudder in the casting up and down to check for proper trim and that it would go up as needed. I found that the pivot hole was in about the right place. Then I put the rudder all the way down with the lower adjustment screw (trim screw) backed all the way out, (rudder kicked forward). Next I put the upper casting on and marked the proper hole spot on the rudder, then I put the upper casting into the "kicked up" position, lifted the rudder into the casting and then made another mark. The marks were only about a ΒΌ" off. I took the difference and drilled between the two. After installing the rudder and adjuring the lower rudder trim screw they worked perfect in the lower position and they locked in the up position and I have adjustment room on the upper casing bolt and the lower trim screw. I left the upper casing bolt set just a little forward of center and then set the lower rudder trim screw to meet it, with my mast set about neutral the boat was perfectly neutral no weather or lee helm!!! At that point I raked my mast back one pin whole and I have the perfect amount of weather helm.
I hope that helps, it sounds like a lot of work but it was just a little bit of time and well worth it.
One more thing I measured the other rudder the same way, I didn't use the first one to drill the second because some boats can have a difference in transom angle - mine does.
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Jim
New Orleans
'83 H18 SX mods 2013 -
'65 Lavey Craft 2005 -
'69 Cal 25 1997 - 2001
'80 P16 1980 - 1996
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