I recently pulled my father's Hobie Cat 14 out of mothballs last year and have been upgrading/using it recently. Prior, it hadn't been used for over 20 years, maybe more. With each upgrade, the boat performs better; new tramp, dolphin striker, trapeze.
Been having some issues with the rudders and decided to investigate (not locking down well, raising/lowering a chore sometimes). After reading on the forums and watching some videos, I'm in the process of "re-conditioning" my rudder system (cams, springs, screws, plungers, tightening spacers, tiller connectors etc...).
I noticed though, that the Upper Rudder castings on my boat do not have a Cam Stop Plate or the opening at the top of the casting to install one. I also noticed on the underside of the casting, what appears to be a pin or bar, up inside, across the opening. Was wondering if that serves the same function as the Plate. Was also wondering if I should just replace the castings with newer ones that have plates, or if that was necessary.
Is this an indicator of when the boat was made? Don't have any documentation as to the original owner and/or year. Just curious, I suppose.
Being back on the water again takes me back to all the sailing I did as youth. Love It!
|