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.

Knot Meter

KNOT METER

A Horizon Marine Instrument Knot Meter AS45 was installed to allow the performance of various changes and settings to be monitored and evaluated.

The knot meter is installed behind the starboard front seat support on a bracket that allows it to be swung out out harm's way when it is not required.

The sending unit for the knotmeter is permanently installed below the storage shelf beneath the lazarette for protection.

Mast Raising System

Another addition that we have made to our KERRY DANCER is the installation of a mast raising system. This system allows one person to raise and lower the mast quite easily, no matter what the wind strength or the tilt of the trailer. The secret of any mast raising/lowering system is to have control of the procedure at all times.


TOP OF GIN POLE

The wire supports for the gin pole are securely attached to the 1 1/2" aluminum pole which is 6' in length. The 4 to 1 tackle is attached with a stainless strap over the gin pole and and the lower 2 sheave is attached to the forestay anchor with a 1/4" clevis pin.
The slot, at the end of the pole, is fastened through the hole in the middle of the forestay turnbuckle barrel, with a 1/4" clevis pin.








ANCHORS FOR SUPPORT WIRES


The stainless steel anchors (1/8" thick) for the pivots have the attachment hole on the same plane as the mast pivot bolt.










PIVOT FOR SUPPORT WIRES

The pivot assembly attaches (with a 5/16" bolt) to the pivot anchors which are thru bolted to the hull with a 1/4" backing plate. The pivots are necesary to allow the angles to change as the mast is raised.








BASE OF GIN POLE (BRACKET ON MAST)


The bottom of the gin pole is firmly attached to the mast with a 3/8" diameter stainless pin. The pole does not rely on the bracket's strength to keep the gin pole at right angles to the mast but relies on the forestay being attached to the end of the gin pole.

Northwestern Visit

Here is an excellent report on a visit to Wildwood Sailing Club by Ian Robertson's Northwestern class in June 2002, which mentions some of the admirable traits of the KERRY DANCER.



























We hope the students enjoyed their visit.