DBJr
07-03-2017, 12:54 AM
I was just wondering if it is possible to convert a rudder assembly into a break away rudder assembly by replacing the steel retainer pin with a piece of brass, styrene rod etc.
The rudder assembly in question is to a Pro Boat Blackjack 24. Rather than a shear away brass, nylon bolt/screw, it uses a steel pin and grub screw to secure it into the mounting bracket which obviously has no give and results in cracked transoms upon impact with objects in the water. Awhile back I struck something in the water at about 40 MPH which cracked the transom wide open as the stock rudder assembly is not a break away unit.
After that, I bought a new hull and transferred everything over and yesterday I hit something but was going much slower this time but due to a non break away unit, there were still some small cracks in the transom that were easily repairable.
I did get a piece of plastic antenna tube to fit but since this is hollow, I don't think it will be quite rigid enough. I just don't want to have to replace hulls just by striking unseen objects in the water. These hulls are not cheap at about $60 each.
The rudder assembly in question is to a Pro Boat Blackjack 24. Rather than a shear away brass, nylon bolt/screw, it uses a steel pin and grub screw to secure it into the mounting bracket which obviously has no give and results in cracked transoms upon impact with objects in the water. Awhile back I struck something in the water at about 40 MPH which cracked the transom wide open as the stock rudder assembly is not a break away unit.
After that, I bought a new hull and transferred everything over and yesterday I hit something but was going much slower this time but due to a non break away unit, there were still some small cracks in the transom that were easily repairable.
I did get a piece of plastic antenna tube to fit but since this is hollow, I don't think it will be quite rigid enough. I just don't want to have to replace hulls just by striking unseen objects in the water. These hulls are not cheap at about $60 each.