Differences between lower rudder castings

Is there any difference between the adjustable and non-adjustable lower rudder castings?

If I have a set of older castings, can I drill and tap a hole and add a set-screw and have something identical to the adjustable lower castings? If so, where exactly does the set-screw go (distance from bottom of casting)?

I have a lead on a pair of adjustable upper castings but not the lowers, so I wanted to know if I could just modify my lowers to work. Tired of trying to correct the helm by re-drilling and/or shimming!

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

I wasn't sure, so I asked the boss. He says that the rudders are drilled differently between the adjustable and non-adjustable H16 lower castings.

The rudder drilling template we have confirms this. Besides being in different places, the spacing between the holes is slightly wider for the non-adjustable casting. It's a minor difference, but it is different.

Brian C

Yea, but I think the spacing of the holes on the rudder is different so that it gives you room to adjust - if they holes were in the same spot as the non-adjustable castings you wouldn't have any room to back off on the set-screw (bring the rudder farther under the boat).

We are going to re-drill the holes in the rudders anyway (good pair of older fiberglass racer blades but someone drilled the holes crooked).

Don't suppose you have an adjustable and non-adjustable casting around that you could hold up to one-another. Or, Matt Miller, any idea?

There's no way that I can afford $140 per casting for new ones, and used adjustables are slow to come by.

-Tim

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

I'm not 100% on this but I think they are about the same, we drill a about hundred blades a year and never have anyone complaint, we have a temple we made from a new blade with adjustable castings, let me do some research on this, I don't have any casting in stock right now to put them together. I know The Dog would not say it if it weren't true! so maybe I'm wrong here, Mr. Miller please chime in.

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Brad Stephens
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Nope... All I've got at the moment is used non-adjustable lowers. Sorry.

Brian C

I don't have any older non-adjustable rudders to compare to, but I would note that we don't even use the adjuster screw. We fill the bottom of the casting with a hard setting sealant and cover with a piece of mylar. Set the rake with the rudder inbedded in the "pad" of sealant.

You can make any adjustments you want without the pad. The upper plate keeps the rudder from drifting aft... the pad just holds the rudder aft at that point.

Sail and make changes to rake. The water forces the rudder aft to the point where the upper plate and cam hold it. Once happy... fill the casting as described to lock it in.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Very cool!

Thanks for the extremely fast and helpful answers all who responded! Try getting this kind of service from any other company or group...

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