Just a general question

Norwalk-ROTC · Post by **Norwalk-ROTC** » Tue May 25, 2004 1:55 pm

We have just received a 7.9. The data sheets I have seen indicate that I need about 2.5 feet of water with the board up. Need I do anything about the rudder in 2.5 feet of water, or is it okay? I suppose I could measure, but I thought someone might know.

The mooring we are being given is in some pretty shallow water.

Post by **Tim Bosma** » Wed May 26, 2004 7:18 am

The rudder pivots up so it can float in 14 inches of water if need be. We have a stainless rod bent in a wierd shape that hooks in the aft hole on the rudder blade and over the aft spacer in the rudder head to hold the rudder in the up position.

Tac Boston · Post by **Tac Boston** » Wed May 26, 2004 1:32 pm

A trick that I have used in Shallow water, is to take the lower pin out and tape a pencil in it's place.

When the rudder touches bottom then it breaks the pencil before any damage is done.

Sam Buschell · Post by **Sam Buschell** » Thu May 27, 2004 2:20 pm

It would be best to try maneuvering in open water the first time you have the board up and the rudder kicked.
The boat is an entirely different animal without a little board in, and the load on the tiller quadruples with the rudder up.
With a little practice you can move the boat around in a cautious manner, but I wouldn't want you to experience it in tight quarters the first time like I did.
Also if the boat is an outboard watch the proximity of the rudder to the propeller.