My recently aquired 2014 Com-pac Suncat has what I believe is a Ruddercraft Unifoil-B. It is nearly impossible to lift from the cockpit as designed and I am hoping replacing the gas cylinder will help. I have called Ruddercraft but recieved no answer and no way to leave a voicemail. I also emailed them but am not real optomistic about getting a response anytime soon. In the alternative, does anyone have another suggestion?
I know others have Ruddercraft gear, I hope they can assure you that a new gas cylinder will help. I would think they'd be available commercially, and not unique to the rudder, if Ruddercraft doesn't respond.
I faced a similar problem when I foiled my rudder with cheeks of King Starboard. I intended to attach the uphaul in roughly the same place it had been on the stock 1/4" aluminum plate rudder, but I failed to take into account how it would be with the added weight of the cheeks, about 7 lbs. if I recall. I didn't have enough leverage with the uphaul to easily raise the rudder.
My solution was to install a beam that extended back from the pivot for the attachment. Worked great, if a little funky. It should be possible to do something similar if the gas assist doesn't work out.
https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?topic=11263.0, see replies #11 and 15.
Well I spoke too soon. Brian from Rudder Craft emailed me right back with a laundry list of things to check. Also, this video link demonstrating the proper technique for raising and lowering the rudder.
After watching the video, my problem may very well be operator trouble. It may be a few weeks before I get her back in the water. When I do, I'll check all the items Brian pointed out and try the technique outlined in the video. And they do sell the replacement cylinder should I need it.
A special thanks to Rudder Craft for such a quick and helpful response. I am sorry I doubted them. I'll report how it turns out when the time comes.