Daniel.....once you change back to the normal lightweight wood blade you can install the rudder and fold it back before backing down the ramp. If it won't stay in the Folded Aft position it's because the Bungee Cord is weak. You can get new bungee material at Port Supply or even Home Depot. As for the 'Flat' on the backside of rudders; this is old news from the 1960s. Even Hobie Cat mentioned vibrating blades and how to cure them several decades ago. http://www.hobiecat.com/support/articles/archive/?src=http://2010.archive.ho... The old Vagabond 14 (later Holder and Hobie built) had the typical folding rudder that we have today on later built M_15. The only thing that has improved is the Bungee Material. Bob www.montgomeryboats.com (949) 489-8227
From: danielgrich@gmail.com Date: Sat, 14 May 2011 21:49:15 -0700 To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: trailering with rudder assembly in place M15
No, I have no plan to trail the boat with the rudder in place. I simply mean that when I arrive at my destination, I can put the rudder on while rigging the boat out of the water, and then drop the boat in the water. Right now I have to put the boat in the water, and wrestle the very heavy rudder through the small space between the boarding ladder, rail, motor mount, and onto the gudgeons. Tough to do. But with the swapped out wood original, it will stay in the horizontal position quite well, and certainly long enough for me to back the trailer down the launch in order to float the boat off. No, I trail with everything inside the cabin or the trunk of the car!
Daniel On May 14, 2011, at 9:44 PM, GILASAILR@aol.com wrote:
Daniel,
A couple of observations - some gleaned from less than amusing experiences :
DO NOT TRAIL your boat with the rudder in place unless you want :
1. the rudder GONE - bounced off, pivot bolt fell out -OOOPS - etc.
2.the blade ground to a nub - 'I thought I had it tied up ...'
3. the rudder gudgeons and pintles plus all other pieces of the rudder assembly to experience excess wear and tear they were never designed for.
Think of driving down the road with a favorite violin strapped to the hood - Bad Form.
If your "mast carrier" is attached to the rudder attached to the boat while riding down the highway banging on the transom - you have the 'Tear up The Transom Trifecta' lets leave the rudder attached (see #1,2,3 above AND add the weight of the 1/2 the rig and mast carrier to exacerbate the situation). Most 15 trailers are sprung a bit stiff for the actual load as it is from what I have experienced.
I am one opinionated Full of BS ol guy - but I have seen MANY ugly things happen to boats whilst trailered because someone was not aware of the consequences. - When I was in the business - it made me a living repairing and selling "lost/damaged parts" - I didn't like making a living at other peoples misfortune - so a word of caution.
PS I bet we don't know that the rudder is damaged or GONE til we arrive at the beautiful destination ready to have a fun day of NOT sailing with the family or friends ! 'I didn't see it fall off the boat.....' - it does happen - why risk it.
Jerry's wood (Royce's) rudders are excellent - better than a heavy plastic one. See paragraph above 'one opinionated.... '
Good luck with your Old Wood Rudder Blade it is a winner! - BTW- I have stalled all my rudders, on the 7-11,15,17 and all the non M-Boats I have owned too - EVERY one of them!
G - Full of It - O M-17 #316 -Nurse I need my meds! _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
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