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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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why ya check the bolts more often.... :)

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kbq
1st Mate

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USA
99 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/09/2007 : 16:46:28

Well, I *thought* I had checked all the bolts. Had the boat in the yard last month, painting the bottom for the first time, and took the opportunity to go 'round making sure things were tight.

I thought.

Guess I missed the rudder.

Headed back to Richmond from Angel Island ( http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q& hl=en& geocode=& q=San Francisco, CA& ie=UTF8& ll=37.870314,-122.440395& spn=0.033674,0.091925& t=h& z=14& om=1 ) with a quartering chop on the stern (think corkscrew), and near small craft warning winds. Running, of course. Do a gybe - nice, except for that "thunk" and sudden inability to do much steering. Hmmmm... gybe the other way, worse steering (as suitably demonstrated by the ... um, brisk roundup).

Well. Take a look off the stern, and the rudder is held in only by the upper pintle. The lower one is missing both bolts, and is somewhat bent out of shape. The rudder is banging 'round, not doing much ruddering.

The crew - my wife, brother, and his wife - responded well, dousing the reefed sail (no jib up). Dropped the outboard, and used it to power and steer back to Ayala Cove on the Island. Found another boater with some bolts long enough to bring the bracket into shape, and bolted the puppy up nice and tight. Checked the other bolts, too! Proceeded to head back - under motor - without further problems. No signs of damage...

Lessons: carry longer bolts. Glue critical nuts with 4200, even if they're nylocks. When out in strong wind (well, anytime, really), make sure the crew knows enough to help the wife and I. (they were great!). Don't freak - figure out what's going on, and how to work 'round it. I never said what I was really thinking when I saw that rudder! 8D

More "lost rudder" stories?

Kevin
wait for me
250wk

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2007 : 19:19:34

There should be no reason to glue those, though after having completely lost a rudder earlier this season I understand the peace of mind factor.

If you take a quick 20 seconds to inspect them before you go out you'll be able to feel if they start to come loose. Alternatively if you want security without the mess of the 4200 you can always drill holes through the screws while the nut is on, back the nut off to make sure you keep the integrity of the thread and once you install it put a ring or a pin in it.

As for carrying longer bolts - I buy 6 extra of just about every screw,washer nut bolt lock washer, rivet etc and keep them in a inexpensive tackle box. If something goes, I have a replacement.

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kbq
1st Mate

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USA
99 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2007 : 19:38:13

Agree on the replacements: have several boxes of stainless screws, nuts, and bolts. Just not long enough!

I'm not sure I agree on the nut, though. Once a nylock nut has been 'worked', it's generally not considered secure. I added just a bit of goop, using it more like an industrial locktite.

Of course, it's possible that with the wind and wave action that a defective bolt blew. That could have led to the second one giving way.

Kevin
wait for me
250wk

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Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2007 : 01:50:35

Kevin,
I sailed from Richmond's Marina Bay to Paradise Cay and back on Sunday.
I saw another C250 near Point Richmond about 2pm.
Was that you?
Russ C250WB #793

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kbq
1st Mate

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USA
99 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2007 : 10:37:04

Russ - this was on a Saturday, week before last. This weekend, the wife and I didn't wanna fight the wind - we just sat, read, and relaxed!

Kevin
wait for me
250wk #751

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2007 : 17:58:19

Kevin, we've sailed the Bay for almost 25 years and recommend that you consider using just the jib coming back down from Richmond to TI. It's a much easier sail than using the jib and main (regardless of how much you're reefed on either or both sails) or just the main, which is trying to turn the bow up toward the Cityfront and GGB. Give it a try sometime, it may make that fun part of the day across the Slot a bit more relaxing.

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johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2007 : 18:19:18

Stu
As Paul Harvey would say and the rest of the story it took you 22 years to figure it out.
How many post today? Hey I'll get back to you on that oil hose.
paulj

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kbq
1st Mate

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USA
99 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2007 : 14:01:39

Stu - thanks; we'll give it a try!

Kevin
wait for me
c250wk #751

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.