Rudder position while trailering

[RCAN]

I am still getting accustomed to trailering my recently acquired Compaq 16. My previous boat many years ago was smaller and had a center board which I would remove along with the rudder while trailering it.

Because of this old habit, I have been removing the rudder on the Compaq 16 in the few times I have thus far trailered it to the boat ramp. However, it has occurred to me that perhaps this may not be necessary.

Can any one of you experienced sailors guide me as to the best placement for the rudder while traveling on the road on the trailer? I figure I have the options to (1) leave it down, (2) pull the rudder lanyard and hook it on the jam cleat so as to travel with the rudder in the "up" position, or (3) totally remove the rudder and place it inside the boat or in back of the truck.

I'm thinking that if I can leave it on the boat it would be one less thing to take care of upon launching and retrieving it.

Or perhaps someone has another option I'm not aware of.

[Bob23]

   I usually remove the blade only from the housing and toss it (gently) in the back of the good old pickup! I secure the tiller so it doesn't move back and forth while trailering, which for me isn't all that much.
   I definitey would not trailer with the rudder in the up position...sounds like an accident waiting to happen!
   I suppose you keep it in the down position...sounds ok. The only reason I remove mine is that I don't trailer and launch the boat in order to sail. The only time she is trailered is for spring launch and fall retrieval, which, sadly is growing ever closer!
Bob23

[CaptRon28]

It depends on which boat and how far you're going. I don't have the "down" option on either boat - it's either UP (meaning BACK in my case) or stick it in the back of the pickup. Both rudders will drag on the ground if down. A distance of more than a few miles will get me to remove the blade (if possible). Otherwise, I tie off the end of the rudder to the back of the lowered mast with 2 heavier duty bungie cords to get the weight off of the mechanism that holds the rudder up. With the Telstar - this is the only thing I can do. Removing it would take at least an hour or so. Remember to tie a red cloth to the back of the rudder or bungee to warn those behind you.

[Pacman]

I keep a cheap 1/4" drive ratchet with a 1/2" socket and a short 1/2" box end wrench in the boat so I can unship the rudder quickly and easily for trailering.

That way I don't have to think about whether it is up or down and I know it is not bouncing around while I drive.

It gets to be a habit and just part of the routine.  It rides on the cabin floor wrapped in a beach towel.

[kickingbug1]

   i leave it on the boat. havent had a problem yet

[curtisv]

Rudder down seems to be fine with me.  I only launch and retrieve once a season and its 3 or 4 miles to the boat ramp.  Last I tried to remove the rudder I needed someone with a torch to get the SS bolt on aluminum rudder stock corrosion to break loose.  I don't generally go over 35 MPH when trailering since its a short distance on a winding and a bit narrow two lane road.

I agree that it depends on how far you are going but I don't think leaving the rudder on matters for trips of any length.  Taking an outboard off is definitely a good idea for longer trips or getting up to higher speeds than the 30-35 I do.

Curtis

[Bob23]

   I use Never-Seez on that bolt...comes off quite easily. I always remove my rudder. The way some people drive around here, if someone were to hit it while they were driving/texting/doimg make-up, I'm afraid a murder might take place.
   While trailering, mine is kinda close to the ground so I don't want to chance it.

Bob23

[curtisv]

Bob,

I raise the rudder backing down the ramp but for the road its optional on these short trips.

Curtis