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PatShaw

6 Posts

Posted - 12 Aug 2002 :  16:21:41  Show Profile  Visit PatShaw's Homepage
Having just bought Stratos 326 (centre board)and basically lost the right to helm, to my wife, who seems convinced that I have bought the boat for her. We are having some rather tense moments when lauching and recovering due entirely to the fact that the rudder is very difficult to raise and lower. Having read one of the previous threads regarding this it would seem that their have been a variety of fittings used in the manufacture of this part of the boat. Please could those of you that have experienced similair problems advise how you have resolved them.

Additionally we sail in a tidal location which can result in the bottom leaping up and grabbing hold of the rudder resulting in damage to the rudder and the boat stopping. Once stopped the downhaul for the rudder has been so securly jammed that it was almost impossible to release. Perhaps the judicial use of a length of shockcord could prevent this from happening, any thoughts about how best to accomplish this.

Cheers
Pat

BrianPearson

22 Posts

Posted - 12 Aug 2002 :  21:12:51  Show Profile  Visit BrianPearson's Homepage
Hi Pat
I too was worried about grounding the rudder with the standard rudder downhaul in place. I spoke to the Laser service manager who was happy for me to replace the standard cleat with an auto release cleat which ClamCleat supplied very efficiently. The cleat in question is designed exactly for rudder down haul application and "cascades" to release the cleat when the rudder grounds. It is also adjustable. This cleat has worked for me on a number of occations, although getting the blade back down is still a struggle.
Because I sail in tidal waters as well, I too find the most difficulty with getting the rudder down and then back up on my return. So far releasing some turns on the rudder blade pivot bolts before leaving the beach, and then tighten again once in deeper water, loosening again as I approach the beach is some help.
Would others please advise in detail better multipurchase arrangements.
Regards
Brian


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KevinL

16 Posts

Posted - 18 Aug 2002 :  20:20:49  Show Profile  Visit KevinL's Homepage
Pat,

can you specify the cleat used more precisely or give a link or part name?
Thanks

Kevin

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PatShaw

6 Posts

Posted - 19 Aug 2002 :  14:40:58  Show Profile  Visit PatShaw's Homepage
Brian,
This cleat sounds like a mighty fine idea!
Could you tell me the exact part number?
Did you have any problems in fitting it, for instance is it screwed or rivited to the tiller?

Thanks
Pat


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BrianPearson

22 Posts

Posted - 22 Aug 2002 :  00:13:15  Show Profile  Visit BrianPearson's Homepage
the cleat I have used very successfully can be found as follows

go to web site - clamcleat.com
click on - specialised cleats
click on - auto release cleats
this shows drawings and details od cleat - CL257
for fitting click on - fitting instructions - and download a drawing of details.

I found the two holes further apart than the standard cleat - so just drilled an extra hole, and then reused the fitting self tap screws.

Hope thsi helps

regards

Brian

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JimWhite

22 Posts

Posted - 01 Sep 2002 :  14:15:46  Show Profile  Visit JimWhite's Homepage
I have Keel #466 and sail in tidal waters. I too have had problems. The laser service manager was very helpful and suggested the cam cleat solution ( to be fitted - thanks for the fitting tips ), but as a temporary measure I 1) tighten and losen the clamp on leaving and returning to beach and 2) have threaded the ropes through a 3 cm length of plastic hose pipe and jammed the pipe, helped by a cut 'slash' across the pipe, where the ropes leave the metal frame and head towards the cleat. This dramatically improved the sliding across what would have been a severe angle on the metal.

Laser also say that a plastic roller might have fallen out of the metal frame. I don't remember it ever being there ! And if it was it surely wasn't too secure ! I've yet to fit the replacement.
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PatShaw

6 Posts

Posted - 04 Sep 2002 :  17:04:45  Show Profile  Visit PatShaw's Homepage
Many Thanks!
I have now fitted this to my Stratos, my wife tested it on the hard (accidently) at the weekend and it is a definate winner.
Just have to look forward to session of rudder repairs now.
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