A tip for reassembling rudder cams and springs and things.

I just finished putting my new rudder cams on and thought I would share a tip. I couldn't figure out how the heck I'm to put the plunger, spring and then start the treads on the plug deep down in the rudder casting. I could use needle nose pliers to put the plunger in the hole, but the spring and plug were impossible. I finially got a long tapered punch, probably the one I use to punch the cam pin out with a week ago, and slid the spring onto the punch. I put the end of the punch over the hole and slid the spring right into the hole! Then I noticed that the threaded plug has a small hole right in the middle. So I slid the punch into the hole until it was snug, lowered it into the casting, and it was snug enough for me to start about three turns of the treads! Fantastic!! Now if someone can tell me how far down the plug should be treaded in?? When I took it apart it had about 2-3 threads showing. About right?

The tightness of the screw affects how easily the rudders kick up - there are directions for testing it in the FAQ section I believe, with a fishing scale - or you can do it by feel.

Too hard and you might break your rudders when they hit something. Too soft, and they'll kick up while sailing just from the force of the water.

_________________
Tim
Unofficial Fleet 72 Communications Officer and Div 4 Webmaster
http://www.hobiefleet72.org
http://www.div4.hobieclass.com/