How to Lock My Rudder Stock ?

[Shanaly]

hi i have just refitted my rudder quadrant. this is a fairly solid bronze fitting with 4 large s/s bolts now sticking out of it.

i would like to arrange an emergency locking device, in case of hydraulic failure, to stop the rudder flogging. this would need to be easily hitched on, but normally stored unfitted. i am thinking chain and snap shackle, plus perhaps some nylon rope/block arrangement for shock absorption.

altho i'd like it to be totally rigid and 'tight', i can see that if i were fitting it in rough seas any precise positioning of bolts etc in sockets would be difficult!

any ideas appreciated. i would probably just wind lots of nylon rope round and secure, were it not for the chafe

thanks in advance

[Jim Cate]

No specific idea how to accomplish your specific task, but some folks drill a hole through the top aft corner of the rudder blade. Then they fit a line from the hole up to each quarter of the hull. Left slack normally, but available to either lock the blade in position as you are requiring, or to actually act as emergency steering by appropriate pulling on the lines. Others just leave the hole until needed and fit the steering lines when/if required. Means a trip into the water generally... not easy in big seas or in the dark.

Cheers,

Jim

[Blue Stocking]

If the bolts (cap screws) pass through the quadrant and retaining casting, and are secured with nuts and washers, you could replace the fasteners with longer ones which project beyond the retainer casting.
Mount a heavy plate strap the width of the quadrant on these extended bolts.
Holes in the ends of the plate would allow you to attach securing lines to substantial points in the steering area.
This assembly would need to be strong because the 1 to 1 forces of a rudder your size could be violent in a seaway.