Laser Rudder Questions
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Technique
Forum Discription: 'How to' section for dinghy questions and answers
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8927
Printed Date: 27 Jun 25 at 4:22pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Laser Rudder Questions
Posted By: EmmyC
Subject: Laser Rudder Questions
Date Posted: 17 Jan 12 at 6:07pm
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Hello all, I've just got my Laser and I was having a play the other day with the rudder and the modification that had previously been made to hold the rudder up was in fact preventing it going down (the elastic was getting caught up). I removed it and the rudder now won't stay up for long; I was wondering whether or not anyone had solutions to this - I don't want to damage my rudder when launching. Thanks ;) |
Replies:
Posted By: Andymac
Date Posted: 17 Jan 12 at 6:22pm
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Any kind of 'uphaul' on a Laser rudder is not class compliant. The rudder bolt should be well tight to prevent any play between the blade and the rudder stock. It should be tight enough to stay 'up' when launching with the friction alone. Tip; The original supplied Laser bolt with the nylon bushings is inadequate really, and best replaced with a 5/8" (or 10mm) 'mega bolt' which should cost less than £5. I have mine so tight that I can only physically get the blade up and down by reaching over the back of the boat with a helping hand.
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Posted By: doeywizard
Date Posted: 17 Jan 12 at 6:45pm
| mine is the same I have the bolt so tight I have to lean over the back and push it down and lift it up, this is good because it means that it wont come up when sailing, the other option is to only put your rudder on when you boat is afloat, this could just turn into a faf just tighten up the bolt and don't care about getting your hand wet, when sailing a laser you should get wet any way occasional or you aren't pushing it hard enough |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 18 Jan 12 at 7:26am
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As has been said above you need to remove the uphaul system. it is definitely not class compliant and would almost certainly get you protested in anything other than club sailing.
It is also not needed, as has been said above purchase a 'Mega bolt' for it (available from Rooster Sailing and Laser Performance for less than £5 I believe). Then simply bolt it in place and tighten it up so the rudder is stiff to move in the stock but not too stiff that you cannot pull it up as you come ashore. ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 18 Jan 12 at 9:03am
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I've never worked out why Lasers don't allow an uphaul? Strange set of rules... ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 18 Jan 12 at 10:02am
That must be in the running for 'Understatement of the Year 2012' and it is only January! ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: Andymac
Date Posted: 18 Jan 12 at 3:13pm
Just to correct myself; I think that should have been 3/8" not 5/8". The original bolt was the imperial measurement. Due to the difficulties elsewhere in the world sourcing imperial sized bolts to 'upgrade', Class rule was amended to allow the nearest metric size (10mm) but it does require a minute amount of enlagement of the hole to fit. |
Posted By: Andymac
Date Posted: 18 Jan 12 at 3:18pm
Oh, I don't think anyone could be that anal, at anything other than a World/Olympic event (even then). Not as if it's 'performance enhancing'.
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Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 19 Jan 12 at 8:04am
Catch weed, loose rudder with elastic uphaul...definitely performance enhancing.
You do get quite a few 'anal' guys on the open circuit but I would hope someone would have a quiet word first before other action was taken. ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: bustinben
Date Posted: 01 Mar 12 at 4:29pm
Because they don't need one
 if you can sail a laser you can lean over the back and pull it up with your hand, or just leave it down and pull it up when you jump out (it's only about 1 foot deep). |
Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 01 Mar 12 at 5:41pm
Laser rudders always seem to drop down on bumpy slipways and scrape along the ground till the sailor at the front notices. An uphaul (or even a pin through the stock) would stop that. ------------- Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686 |
Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 01 Mar 12 at 6:03pm
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You just need to use a decent bolt (known as a mega bolt) in a Laser rudder and ensure it is done up correctly. There is really no need for an uphaul. ------------- Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
Posted By: ex laser
Date Posted: 02 Mar 12 at 3:03am
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it does rather depend on the water you sail on.
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