The transom of a P19 can be a really hectic place. I usually manage to get
entangled in the: mainsheet, fuel line (while tripping over the gas tank),
tiller stay, daggerboard crank, line securing rudder to transom, and line
securing rudder blade in up/down position while leaning over the bimini
(collapsed on transom) and trying to steady the motor (ouch! it swings into
the rudder in the up position) while alternately pulling on the choke and
starting rope. Actually I think I could manage if I didn't have to do this
while facing backwards and trying to look over my shoulder as my wife
yells, "WE'RE ABOUT TO HIT!!!"
Really, I'm doing much better. Now I try to plan ahead better, avoid
shallow launch areas with strong currents (with the daggerboard and rudder
up, the P19 has serrrious steerage problems -- especially with a good
breeze to contradict the current) and avoid using the motor when a pole
would work better.
I also created a middle position for my daggerboard which greatly aids
steering when motoring... that position also protects the prop (I take the
rudder off to eliminate the possibility of it contacting the prop). Now I
can maneuver to a favorable location before lowering appendages, or secure
same before entering a thin water situation.
Incidently, the top pintle is longer than the lower one so when the rudder
is knocked up it won't completely come off the boat and drift astern;
instead the rudder (now secured only at one point) will swing out, grinding
the top into your transom while twisting and distorting the top gudgeon,
thus completely removing any hope of steering. The top gudgeon (now mangled
into a death grip on the pintle) is quite malleable and can be straightened
later with vice grips. If you choose to jump out, to be able to face the
stern and wrestle the rudder with both hands, it is a real Potter plus that
two strong legs and a solid shoulder can raise your beloved P19 enough to
snatch that bulky rudder off the deformed pintle and thus end the
fiberglass carnage. Should you perform these heroics in a spoil area along
a channel, do not, repeat DO NOT, step backward in relief. Some channels
drop abruptly to depths well over one's head and you will instinctly
realease the rudder/surfboard to the whims of current while trying to save
one's life. Try to avoid such contortions when within marina view (some
have lovely glassed restaurants overlooking the channel). It's undignified,
and reflects poorly on one of the oldest and finest trailerable sail craft
in production.
Don't you agree?
s/v Passmeby, P19-886
However, a rudder like on small Com-Pacs seems to have merit. The bracketry
is permanently secured to the transom, and only the kick-up rudder blade
moves. Has anyone mounted a different rudder to a Potter?