MacGregorSailors.com

Hi,
I've only owned my Mac M for a very short time and have only motored it twice very briefly to test the new motor out and have yet to sail it.

So, that being said you'll excuse the following neophyte question:

How are the rudder lines supposed to be rigged? I know there is a lifting line and a seperate line to secure the rudder in the down position (a rudder stay?). Can anybody give me a description of how they are supposed to be attached and run to the cockpit, or better yet does anybody have a stern-on image that maybe shows this?

The reason I ask, is that I can't seem to find where the "rudder stay" line comes out to the cockpit. Maybe not rigged correctly.

Yikes! and Thanks!

Charles and Family

Charles,

The line to raise/lower the 26M rudder should run from the top of the rudder (attached on the top, forward part) up inside the hull and out a hole on the top of the transom, just outboard of and below the cleat that is mounted there. The same piece of line then runs back down, outside the boat, down to the rudder and attaches on the trailing edge near the top, i.e. the line is in a loop that starts and ends at the rudder. There is about 18" or so of slack in the line to allow you to get some leverage to raise the rudder.

To drop the rudder, you uncleat the line and pull up through the hole - it takes a little "oomf" to pull it down because you have a very short pivot arm down there, and initially the rudder will want to float until it fills with water. Then cleat the line and wind the slack around the cleat to keep it out of the way.

Conversely, to raise the rudder, you uncleat the line and then lean out a little over the stern and pull up on it. Again, it takes some "oompf" to get it moving because it is now full of water and heavy. The water will drain from the rudder once you have lifted it out of the water.

The lines should have been rigged by the dealer when they installed the rudders. If not, you'll probably need a nice straight piece of coat hanger wire or something to lead the line down through the channels.

I can send pictures if this is not enough info.

- AndyS

Andy,
Thanks for the reply. That was a perfect description.
I'm going to take a look when I get to the boat this evening, coat-hanger in hand!

Thanks again

Charles