Andrew

Thanks... I will check that out and no I do not have the ears for the rod to connect to!!! Looks like you still need to hang over the back to lock them in though <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Does anyone know of any spring loaded systems other than home made of course. Just set and forget... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Andrew,

I am interested in hearing about using the smart lock system with a rudder setup that doesn't have "ears". Do you have further details ? I still like the rudders without "ears" so that you can rotate them beyond vertical and not have to worry about them unlocking themselves when beaching in any sort of beach waves.

I have been using a shock cord locking system for a number of seasons but have ended up many times with the shock cord wedged between the rudder and the frame. Very annoying !!

Regards,

Peter

You can make the ears in such a way that they allow the rudder to rotate upward through 180 degrees.

The European Blades have this setup now. See :

http://www.catamaranparts.nl/BladeF16a.htm

Wouter

Wouter,

Thanks for the advice. The setup looks great and it's just what I need. Are there any closer photos or diagrams of the setup particularly the rod attachment to the rudder ?

Regards,

Peter

Hi Peter

I have re-designed my attachment points on the blades for the lock down to a much lighter arrangement. I am taking the boat for a test run on Lake Bonney on Sunday, along with about 5 others to shake out the cobwebs. Once I am happy the design is sound I will take some photos and explain the nuts & bolts of it. If not its back to the drawing board..
The other option is to send your blades to AHPC & they will insert a bracket to take the lock down assy.

Cheers

Andrew

Andrew,

The Blade image looks like the best setup I've seen but I look forward to your test results and images. Good luck with the test. My rudders are old hand made wooden blades and it would probably cost more in postage costs to AHPC than the ruddes are worth !! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Regards,

Peter

I'll try to get some

Wouter

I've used the smart lock system and I am back using shock cord to hold them down, I find it more forgiving with weed/jellyfish etc.

Got a price on the Mckenzie rudders using shock cord, $650. The Dotans come out at aprox $820, both are plus freight.

I have seen Andrews prototype smart lock "ears", looked like a good way to convert standard rudders over.

Does anyone have a set of Hallsworth rudders laying around that they want to get rid of?

Darryn
1704

Hi Peter

It looks like the revised rudder brackets work OK. We had a variable 5-20 knts on Sunday & the blades didn't budge once locked down. Haven't had the acid test of running out of water but don't expect any problems.
Have attached a photo for interest. If you want more detail let me know by private message & I will email the 8 photos I have and a short description of the design.
Please note, no warranty is implied for anyone using this method, it works for me, but may not for someone else.

Another photo of rudder assembly.

Has anyone tryed fitting hobie rudders to their mozzie is this ok for the rules. ben654

You can use Hobie rudders, have a look at the link below, it will answer all your questions, well to do with a Mossie anyway.
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~nmcca/doc/Mosquito_BRR.pdf

Hobie rudders would be fairly heavy wouldn't they? Mine weigh about 1100gms each. Check the thickness of the blades too, if your using square aluminium frame rudder stocks the blades should be around 19mm thick, hobie rudders look a bit thicker to me though I haven't measured them.
They should steer alright, if they fit.
Darryn
1704

Andrew,

Thanks for the email with the extra images and mounting tips. I will be mounting into timber so there shouldn't be any problem with mounting point strength. Did you have to file down the nyloc nut to get clearance to the inside edge of the rudder box ?

Did you make the rod assemblies yourself and if`so where did you get the rod ends ?

Regards,

Peter

Hi Peter

There is just enough room (19mm) between the stocks to slide the bolt/nyloc through as the blade swings, without any filing. You just need to cut the bolt flush with the nut & smooth any dags off. The lock down rods are off the shelf AHPC units.
Have attached photo of point in question.
Cheers

Andrew