Rod Brown-Lee
I have just placed a deposit on my 1980 Lift-Keel Sonata. I will be using a mud berth on the Blackwater in Goldhanger Creek and am wondering about undue stress being placed on the rudder as she goes to ground. The mud is a bit firm in the creek. Should I be concerned? – I think so because the rudder fixings are a bit bent from her existing berth in the Crouch.
I am a total newbie to cruisers as I have been a Kestrel sailor for the past 15 years (still am) but want to know if this is a common problem and how others have fixed it – lifting rudder (vertical or swinging), if so how?
I would really appreciate some advice before I do something daft like get a fancy solution built.
Cheers – Rod
Rod Brown-Lee
Hi Kieron,
I’ll give you a bell. “Melody” goes in the water on Saturday and I’ll be sailing her round to Goldhanger on the 3rd November. Previous owner tells me that he had no problems with the fixed rudder, but it just seems to be a problem waiting to happen – and I am a risk-averse type chap!!
I have got some ideas on modifying the rudder to a lifting one, so it would be good to bounce them off someone that has been there before.
BFN – Rod
Keiron Fraser
Hi Rod
I would definetly take the rudder off when she drys out. In my experience of drying out our lift keel Duette a couple of times the rudder will foul. I think the lifted rudder and keel are about the same depth. If you want to have a chat about these boats further feel free to call me on 01954 270598, we have had ours 3 years and they are an excellent choice.
Cheers Keiron