The rudder is controlled in some models by a wheel mounted on the steering pedestal in the cockpit, and in other models by means of a tiller.
The wheel drives a sprocket and chain which actuates the steering system this generally consisting of a rack and pinion mechanism driving a sealed push pull cable attached to the rudder steering arm.
Maintenance of this system requires periodic adjustment of the rudder stuffing box, and a small amount of grease applied once each season to the chain and sprocket. The grease fitting on the rack and pinion needs service only once every few years. Do not over lubricate this assembly.
The tiller as used on some models is connected directly to the rudder post.
On some models a centerboard is provided. The board is enclosed in a centerboard trunk. The board is raised or lowered by means of a winch, a crank is provided to operate the winch.
The centerboard should always be scraped and refinished along with the bottom painting. Very little maintenance is required of the centerboard trunk other than removal of marine growths from the inside and the application of some anti-fouling paint; this can be applied with a swab attached to a suitable handle.
Always check the condition of the pivot pin, shackle and cable each time the boat is hauled out for bottom painting or cleaning. A small amount of water proof grease should be applied to the centerboard pin prior to reassembling the unit.
To remove the centerboard with the boat hauled out of the water, take the necessary precautions to assure that the board is properly braced prior to removing the pivot pin so that the board will not slip out of the trunk. Remove the caps from the ends of the pivot pin bushings; the pivot pin is located at the top forward end of the centerboard trunk. Slide the pin out; the board is now ready to be removed for cleaning and inspection.
When the dual tank system is installed two fuel tanks are located in the engine compartment, one on either side. The fuel fill pipes are located on the outboardside of the cockpit coaming, one on the port side and one on the starboard side. This fuel system is so arranged that the engine will draw fuel from one tank at a time, and consequently it is advisable to periodically switch tanks to maintain proper trim.
Your boat is equipped with a fuel tank vent. This vent serves the dual purpose of pressure or vacuum release and overflow. As an added safety feature, the thru hull vent fitting is also a flame arrestor.
The fuel system has three shut-off valves One valve is located at the top of each tank and serves as a positive shut-off valve for that individual tank. Convenient access is provided to the fuel shut-off valves.
A three-way selector valve is located at the forward end of the engine compartment. Both tanks are piped to this valve which allows fuel to be drawn from either tank without the possibility of feed-back when the boat is heeled over, even though both valves at the tank are left open.
The third shut-off valve is located in the engine compartment at the engine fuel filter as an added safety precaution for securing the system at this point.
Before refueling, close all portholes, windows, hatches and doors. Do not operate the engine or any electrical equipment or galley stove while refueling. Also DO NOT operate the bilge blower, while taking on fuel. Always ground the nozzle of the gas hose to the fill pipe connection to prevent sparking from static electricity.
Do not overfill the fuel tanks. Two per cent of the tanks volume should be allowed for expansion due to temperature variations. After the fueling operation is completed open all windows, port holes, hatches and doors. Operate bilge blower if installed for at least five minutes prior to starting the engines.
Remember that while the boat is at rest, keep the fuel tanks filled to the proper level to eliminate as much as possible, condensation forming in the tanks.
On some model boats, a single fuel tank is installed. When filling the tank use the same precautions as outlined in the twin tank installations. This system is equipped with two shut off valves, one is located in the engine compartment at the fuel filter, the other is located on top of the fuel tank. It is always good practice to shut these valves off when leaving the boat unattended for a period of time.
Fuel lines, valves, tanks, filters and engine fuel components should be checked at the start of each season and periodically thereafter to make certain that they are in good condition and that the system is tight. Only a qualified marine mechanic should be permitted to work on the fuel system.
With this type of installation, after the tanks have been filled, shut one of the valves located in the water supply line to prevent the water from flowing between the tanks when the boat is heeled over. After the boat has been docked both valves should be opened to allow the tanks to equalize and correct any possible list due to having more water in one tank, A shut off valve is provided in the line to prevent water draining from the tank when the boat is being sailed rail down.
If a single water tank is installed, a shut off valve is provided in the line to prevent water from draining from the tank thru the pump faucets, when the, boat is being sailed rail down.
The lightning ground system when provided is the backbone of the boats complete protection system. It consists of a ground plate installed on the bottom of the boat to which the mast, standing rigging and engine are connected. The mast is connected directly to the ground plate with heavy gauge wire which is bolted to the mast and run down through the mast step and bolted to the ground plate. A copper strap is attached to the interior of the hull and connects the standing rigging, engine etc. To complete the bonding system all fittings, such as thru -hull fittings, scupper drains, shaft tube, stuffing box, rudder post and other metal parts are connected to the copper strap with medium gauge wire. This system affords the best possible protection against electrolysis and an assurance that any lightning stikes will be routed directly to the water preventing excessive damage to the boat.
The metal enclosures of all accessories and electrical equipment must be connected to the ground strap to maintain a properly functioning bonding system.