Engine and rudder, rudder bolts, CB etc.

Eric Zilbert (eezilbert@ucdavis.edu)
Tue, 20 Jul 1999 16:07:43 -0700


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Bruce and others - I believe you have a p-19 as do I. I do not have a
problem hitting the rudder with my propeller unless it is in the up
position. I chewed up the rudder pretty well one day when I was out on the
Sacramento River in heavy chop. We went aground and the rudder kicked up.
I started the motor and there was this grinding noise...

Anyway, I sanded the rudder and filled the depression with marine-tex
epoxy. Now when the prop hits the rudder the point of contact is well
protected! Also, when I serviced the rudder I checked all the bolts and
found several loose ones. The pivot bolt worried me as it was loose
enough so the rudder wiggled between the cheek plates. I tightened it up
and now give it a check each time I set it in place - Eric

P.S. I sometimes steer using both. I always steer in reverse using the
motor and tiller. I have the Nissan 4stk, 5hp and find it stays in
position with the handle wedged against the transom. I have tried tying
it in position but this is a pain when raising/lowering. I have thought
about building a v shaped bunk for the shaft which would attach to the
bottom of the wooden mounting board, which itself needs to be replaced.

Another note: Went out from Richmond on Sunday, quite windy (20 +).
Wanted to take the boys past (around) Alcatraz. Best tack I could make out
of Richmond was for Treasure Island. Following tack took us to Angel
Island. Gave up on Alcatraz and went to China Cove where we beached, went
for a hike and had a picnic. Tide was coming in and the boat floated
sideways to the shore but stayed on anchor. It did get some water in
through CB while beached. Also, my newly attached weather stripping came
off again! What kind do people use that is super-sticky? Who has used
neoprene and how did you attatch it? We flew back from China cove to
Richmond, downwind in 40 min. with working jib and reefed main.

Eric Zilbert
Davis "not by the sea" California
P19 #621 "Riptide"