rudder brackets and steering linkage fixes please

[C Striker]

The rumor is if you take the M out to sea, the rudder brackets will fail eventually. Can someone point me to the fix on this? All I seem to find is modified rudders themselves and easier ways to raise them.

Also, where my steering linkage comes out to the transom, there is a gap all the way around the bar. This must let water in, and the hole is already starting to oval out. My dealer has been awesome hooking me up with other fixes. What do I need to tell him I need?

I did an extensive search on both of these this morning with no luck. I'd appreciate what has worked for you guys in the past. Feel free to post a link to your work, as I can't see to put my finger on it.

thanks,
Striker

[delevi]

Striker,

The rudder brackets should not fail. Mine did bend some because I was experimenting with custom-made, oversized rudders. Never had a problem with the stock rudders. The experimental rudders acually broke and the brackets were bent out a bit. They can be bent back to their original shape with a large adjustable wrench. Just tighten the wrench on the bracket... the handle should be fairly long for leverage power, and bend it back. At least that's what I did. As for the hole for the steering arm... not much you can do with that. I'm considering using some waterproof adhesive foam around this area and lube it so the arm can still move freely. Not sure it will work, but thinking about giving it a shot. It is rare that you would actually take in water in this area. It would take a large wave from the stern or going really fast in reverse. I took in a bit of water in the past, but it was only a small amount, and basically, it just dries up.

Leon

[David Mellon]

I seem to remember someone using a CV boot like rubber bellows at that hole. Anyone remember that post? I have never had sea water reach that hole but I do think if it ever rains in southern california again I may get some fresh water dripping in. I have considered attaching some sort of guard to guide rain around it but since we are in the middle of the drought part of our seven year weather cycle it has been a low priority.
I caught my port rudder on a bush backing into my RV parking slot alongside my house. Broke the rudder and bent the bracket. I also used an adjustable-end wrench and bent it back with good results. Now I tie off the wheel so the gear points straight back and pay more attention to trimming the foliage.

[tangentair]

I seem to remember in the article in the Features section of the site - Exumas 2000 - A Journey to the Bahamas, that the author had trouble with his rudder brackets in his X and Zeno's Arrow may have been modified also but I do not remember if it was for breakage or as part of the rudder upgrade, or maybe it was a different boat completely. If I had the money, I would redo the entire steering linkage from the wheel to the rudder - but if I had the money I would buy a Beneteau 42. Till then I will leave the motor connected and fabricate a tiller handle to connect to it (it is on my winter project list so it may get done next August or September). If all else fails, you can pull up the rudders, fire up the motor and head to a safe haven.

Also if you are good enough - and I am not - you can steer with sail trim.

Seriously, the Mac is a safe and competant coastal/lake cruiser that really shines on day and short over night sails. When I first started reading the board, I had to keep in mind that the reasons for making modifications was not because the boat wasn't safe or had serious flaws. It was to make the boat your own unique "friend", sort of like fixing those little "things" about your significant other that you wish you could change but know you can't, well on this boat you can.

[C Striker]

Ahh yes that was an X in the Exumas outing. But I do know there has to be an issue if you plan on abusing the steering. And since I technicially have no business being on the ocean learning to sail, there will be some abuse. But as far as I know you only live once, so live I will !!!

On the test run we took her out in the ocean it did great in 4-5 foot waves. We brought the sails down before we hit the channel back to the intercoastal. The dealer warned me to not fight the waves, rather to steer back to course once the wave overtook us. First time I steered a boat in the ocean, woops I was steering like a car. He warned me of a friends boat that broke a rudder mount coming into a channel. I'll have to ask him if it was an X. Bottom line, the dealer warned me to ease up or I might break it. If the dealer said it may become an issue, I believe it. This was the only concern he brought up for taking it out in unprotected waters.

I had to keep in mind that the reasons for making modifications was not because the boat wasn't safe or had serious flaws.

I'm just looking to do my best to keep the Admiral from freaking out. The brackets are the only really thing I'm concerned about. She is a nature/camper girl. If I can keep her mind at ease about the awesome-ness of this boat, we may very well spend a weeks at a time onboard. Of course it may take us a week getting her stocked once in the water. It's all good though. I'm sure before too long I will hear from an M owner who broke a rudder bracket in strong currents.

thanks guys - Erik Striker

[Currie]

Does this apply?

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=665

FWIW - I too hate the hole in the engine-well for the steering linkage bar. It is actually needed to keep the linkage bar from elbowing and so it must actively rub on the fiberglass to keep everything in line. I've thought about mounting a couple of vertical roller bearings on the inside of the hole to maintain the alignment and stop the wear. I haven't really thought it through though. I'll probably do it if mine starts to turn into an oval

Cheers,

~Bob

[craiglaforce]

Several of us (including me) broke the aluminum rudder bracket on the older X Model years. Several of us took the bracket to a shop and had some beef added. I posted photos of mine in the mod section. Shortly thereafter, the macs switched to SS brackets and I have not heard of any breaking.

When I broke mine I was at a nasty ocean inlet with huge waves tossing me around like a cork (approx 12 foot steep sharp waves bouncing between the jetties). (offshore storm driven waves against an ebb tidal current). Thought I was going to lose the boat and came pretty close, but made it back. One rudder broke and the engine was quitting because the wave action was stirring up dirt into the fuel system. Then to add insult to injury, a discarded ice bag floated uder my prop and got wrapped across the engine water intake causing the overheat circuit to activate.

[Nick]

If you search Jack Sparrow's mods you will come across a seal he placed around the steering linkage to make it water tight. Not sure how to create a direct link to it from here. Cheers Nick


on edit: http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=878

[puggsy]

Craiglaforce mentions dirt in his fuel tank getting stirred up and causing problems....There is a solution to possible dirty fuel....I use a product called FUEL SET...I am not sure if it is an American or Australian product..comes in a green container...about $40 a litre. .I use it it my towing vehicle and the and it will keep the whole fuel system clean and extend the life of the spark plugs...I have not changed my truck plugs for six years...and it runs smooth...IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT...Puggsy

Just came back to post a phot of the pulley arrangement to make rudder hoisting easier...



Its not the best one but i'll explain....The rope comes up from its hole through the hull to a pulley hanging on a 12 inch line [ suspended from the stern rail ] then down to another pulley also on a 12 inch line coming up from the rudder connection. From there it goes up again to another pulley fixed just under the stern rail, then down again to the cleat. Hope that is clear. The two pulleys on the 12 inch rope leads [ two per rudder]allow movement away from the hull. The effort is from the stern rail downwards. Even then, if the pull is too much, it is a simple matter to reach out for the lines to give it a helping hand...although I have found the purchase sufficient.
I tried fitting a pulley close to the top entry hole of the rope, but this proved too tight an angle and the rope bound tight.
The secret is in the 12 inch leads...They also help for the pulley on the rudder to ride up and over the stern rubber rubbing strip.



I'll post this and see how it turns out...Puggsy

[Divecoz]

If you search Jack Sparrow's mods you will come across a seal he placed around the steering linkage to make it water tight. Not sure how to create a direct link to it from here. Cheers Nick


on edit: http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=878

IMHO if folks would be so kind as to tell where they buy stuff for their mods. . . it would help those of us wanting to build the same items considerably. That seal Jack installed........ looks great and though he is an Aussie , If he told us where he got it, we all could cross reference it easy enough.
I have looked everywhere and gave up on that one....

[puggsy]

No good, I'll do it again...That was an old idea...please ignore...Puggsy

[puggsy]

Might have it this time...



that's better...puggsy