kerberos824
New Member
I have a 1987 Capri 14.2, and have only owned it for one season. I've really enjoyed it, and have had a lot of fun sailing on Sacandaga Lake outside of Albany, NY.
The one critical problem that I have had, and just had this weekend, is that the kick up rudder is always coming up when I sail. I have to constantly re-tighten the nut while undersail, and even when tightened with tools, will pop up within an hour. If someone was with me this wouldn't be all that complicated, but I am almost always alone. This has become a dangerous situation pretty quickly on a breezy day.
It appears to me that the little nub that slips into the locking hole on the frame that holds the actual rudder has been worn down, and is no longer providing enough resistance, allowing the rudder to pop up with minimal effort. As far as I can tell, this is not a "user serviceable part" and would require the replacement of the entire rudder. Is this accurate? Has anyone discovered any workarounds to this?
My only thought is drilling another hole through the rudder and frame and using a bolt and wingnut to secure the rudder. This obviously will prevent it from popping up accidentally, but also prevent it from popping up when I would want it to, like when I run into one of the million rocky outcrops on Sacandaga. Maybe I could cut into the bolt halfway, that way if I hit something it would break the bolt instead of the rudder.
Anyway, I would love to hear some advice or tips!
Thanks!
The one critical problem that I have had, and just had this weekend, is that the kick up rudder is always coming up when I sail. I have to constantly re-tighten the nut while undersail, and even when tightened with tools, will pop up within an hour. If someone was with me this wouldn't be all that complicated, but I am almost always alone. This has become a dangerous situation pretty quickly on a breezy day.
It appears to me that the little nub that slips into the locking hole on the frame that holds the actual rudder has been worn down, and is no longer providing enough resistance, allowing the rudder to pop up with minimal effort. As far as I can tell, this is not a "user serviceable part" and would require the replacement of the entire rudder. Is this accurate? Has anyone discovered any workarounds to this?
My only thought is drilling another hole through the rudder and frame and using a bolt and wingnut to secure the rudder. This obviously will prevent it from popping up accidentally, but also prevent it from popping up when I would want it to, like when I run into one of the million rocky outcrops on Sacandaga. Maybe I could cut into the bolt halfway, that way if I hit something it would break the bolt instead of the rudder.
Anyway, I would love to hear some advice or tips!
Thanks!