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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Help with rudder

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BryanR
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/23/2007 : 09:43:39

I have a 1999 C-250WK. We hit a sandbar and the rudder kicked up slightly a couple of weeks ago. I can't get it down to the correct position. I loosened the nut on the rudder but it won't go down. I have the Edson wheel steering. What am I doing wrong? Is there some control line from the wheel I should loosen first? I am clueless.
Bryan

Bryan Robinson

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2007 : 10:10:33

Bryan, Loosening the nut some more might do the trick but I suspect the previous owner may have exchanged the rivet detent hold down system for a dowel. Look for the traces of a dowel that may have sheered and jammed when the rudder moved aft.

It is quite important to relocate the rudder to the proper position as the aft position will cause undue helm effort and will likely overstress the steering system.

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BryanR
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2007 : 08:20:57

Thanks for the advice. I'll look to see if that is what's causing the problem.

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BryanR
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2007 : 08:25:03

Arlyn,
Got the rudder down! But the trick was that I had to pull it all the way aft first and then it went inot place with ease. Is there a mechanical catch of some kind to keep it from backing up?
Bryan

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2007 : 11:53:02

Bryan... I don't think much of the factory design for the hold down. That system uses a combination rivet/detent that is held in place by a compression handle. The problem is the rivet wears a groove arc on the inside of the side plates and then the rivet won't stay parked in the holes (detents). It also lacks a much needed rudder pull down line. Hanging off the stern to shove the rudder down with a foot and try to get it fully forward is not cool.

When and if this becomes a problem, it needs fixed as the rudder needs to stay fully forward. A fix is fairly simple and is outlined in a tech tip on my site.

[url="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rudderheadmods.html"]Rudder Head Mods[/url]

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BryanR
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2007 : 12:06:10

Thanks. Looks like a good project for off season unless I hit another sand bar.
Bryan

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.