How do you re-install the rudders correctly??
When removing my rudders from the trailerbox I determine which way the tiller arm extention is angled ... secondly, I install the bolts holding the rudder blades to the castings from the outside to the in-boardside, (so not to be injuried when falling off the boat .. cut the extra bolt off) So the nuts are always on the "in-boardside" on my boat ... easy!
It may not be only about wear & tear, or time. I trailered w/ "rudders on" w/ my H-18, and w/"rudders off" w/ my P-19. You can tie the Hobie rudders "UP" to the rear crossbar, the Prindle has a line that holds the rudderblade up, if it breaks/slips you lose the blade by dragging on the ground.
.... then two things happened ... I started to add up the $$$$s' hanging off the back of my boat ... and I watched as a NJ STATE Trooper ticketed a guy who had his scull/rowwing shell on top off his VW Jetta for violating the "overhang" laws in the Motor Vechicle Code ( it did look a little funny). So with your rudders on are you legal??? remember it is measured from the trailers lights I believe ...
Now if someone runs into the back of your trailer and you are "in-violation" what do you think his Insurance Co is going to try and do ???
If you are going to trailer with "rudders On" get some RED rudder covers ... if you are going to take them off, get rudder covers as there is more damage done in the box being beat while driving then on the boat.
Don't forget the mast ...
Check out Murrays, OK.
Sail Flat, Sail Fast
Harry Murphey
H18mag/#9458, Fleet54, Div11
P19mx w/spin /#86, CRAC
