Rudder Assembly

I replaced the wooden cheeks with 3/8” thick aluminum. The wooden tiller was replaced with a stainless steel tube with internal pulleys for the rudder pullup. The wooden parts were always a source of frustration because even though they looked good when freshly varnished, the varnish soon deteriorated from the ultraviolet rays of the sun and the wood was starting to crack.

A rudder pullup system is essential in case you encounter "skinny" water and greatly assists in launching and retreiving the boat. The rudder does not require a hold down system as the designer/builder poured lead into a cavity in the lower portion of the rudder and I have never noticed the rudder deviating from its full down position.

RUDDER LOCKING SYSTEM

I also installed a secure locking system to ensure the rudder stayed attached to the boat if it ever did capsize. Since the rudder assembly was installed, I have been very happy with it as it has worked flawlessly, looks good and never needs any maintenance. You will notice, from the photos that I also made up new pintles to fit in the original gudgeons and also installed a tiller extension but I must admit it is not used very often.

The locking pin retracted.