rudder downhaul

[sscoville]

It appears the rudder downhaul is routed through the top of the tiller, down the channel in the upper part of the rudder (for lack of a better term) then through the edge of the rudder itself, out through a whole from the side of the rudder connected to the whole through the edge.  A figure eight knot is tied and then tucked back into the whole on the side.  Is this correct?

[Guest wwbaginski]

I'm interested in this question too, but I think about the second edge of the device, so I rather think about a hoist lanyard. Particulary in the submerged fixing point (is it necessary submerged?) on the rear blade. I'll appreciate showing photos  transoms underway or beaching.

[Tom Lathrop]

I only tie  a simple overhand knot in the end.  Not sure a figure 8 would fit in the hole bored in the side of the rudder blade.  A groove should be made with a round rasp in the blade edge to prevent the line slipping off.  On Lapwing, I used a safety cleat on top of the tiller to hold the rudder downhaul. It pops up and releases the line if the rudder hits something.  These cleats have an adjustment for release pressure.  It could save breakage or repair of the blade.  There should be a flared metal tube at the line exit from the rudder head to prevent chafing of the line.

[Peter HK]

I agree with Tom that a groove in the edge of the rudder head is desirable so the downhaul line won't slip between between rudder and box. I routed mine.

Regarding the uphaul, I'll include a photo of mine...it's the yellow line. It cleats to a simple horn cleat.

[sscoville]

One of the things I'm trying to understand is the holes in the rudder blade. 

[PeterP]

This is the best shot I have -see if you make out the detail. If you enlarge the rudder you can just make out the hole with the knotted line. You should be able to figure out the rest. PeterP

[PeterP]

Well that did not come out. Lousy resolution. It will not allow me to post a decent blow up. Sorry. PeterP

[Peter HK]

One of the things I'm trying to understand is the holes in the rudder blade. 

Hope this helps

[sscoville]

That's great.  It's the way I thought it was.  Thank you for the pictures.