New Member

[albert.strunk]

I became the owner of a 2006 Horizon Cat several months ago, and I have had no second thoughts about the purchase - great little boat!  However, I am looking for modifications others have made to that rudder mechanism which allows the rudder to swing up if an obstacle is hit.  The malleable ("deformable") metal rod employed for this purpose comes out of place no matter how I bend it and secure it with a bungee.  It is also difficult to keep down in a  high quartering sea even without hitting an obstacle.  All suggestions or guidance to earlier posts will be appreciated.  Related to this issue, I wonder whether anyone has replaced the wheel steering with a conventional tiller?   Al Strunk, Annapolis (Davidsonville), Maryland

[rbh1515]

I have a 1 year Horizon Day Cat, and have no problems with the rudder staying down.  Maybe you need a new rod?
I have never hit anything, and I am not aware of any mods so that it will kick up.
My boat has a tiller which I love.  My boat has a 10+' cockpit so the rudder does not get it the way.  The HC has such a small cockpit...the tiller may take up too much room.  You may want to check with Hutchins to see if it is easy to convert to tiller.
Rob

[Tom L.]

We have a Sun Cat with a similar rudder. I didn't want to spring for the hold down rod. Instead I have a nylon plastic bolt that pins the rudder down. There are matching holes in the rudder and rudder head that allow the bade to be pined down.

We can reach the pin over the back of the transom. Don't know about the H-Cat. But would be worth a look see. It does work. The Nylon bolt will shear when struck but it is strong enough to handle normal sailing.  One time we were out of our channel and the rudder started dragging in the mud. We turned back for deep water. When we hauled out to trail home the pin was about half way sheared so it is reasonably strong.

Tom L.

[brackish]

I have no idea if this is relevant for a Horizon Cat, but that was the most irritating thing about sailing my 23.  I solved the problem with this:

http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=7267.0

[albert.strunk]

Thanks to brackish, Tom L. and rbh1515 for your respective responses.  This info will get me started!  Al Strunk

[HeaveToo]

Welcome.

Man, all of these new members and Bob23 hasn't started to try to get collections.  He is slipping these days!

[Craig]

As mentioned above, the Delrin tab that the rudder bar locks under may be worn. Other HC owners have reported this. I believe new tabs are available from Compac. Some owners, like Brackish, have fabricated more robust tabs. No problems with mine!

[rbh1515]

I have no idea if this is relevant for a Horizon Cat, but that was the most irritating thing about sailing my 23.  I solved the problem with this:

http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum/index.php?topic=7267.0

Wow, that is a great part.  Not having any problem with mine, but it likely will eventually wear.  Good winter project!
Rob