shear pins for kick up rudder

[impinnacr]

I am looking to replace a couple of shear pins for the kick up rudder on my 26 classic. I have purchased them out of Idasailor marine in Boise, when I got my new rudder about 4 years ago, but I called today and the phone was disconnected. I wonder if they are out of business. I sent an email a couple of minutes ago, but we'll see.
In the mean time, does anyone know where to get some 3/8 delrin shear pins? I suppose nylon would do or another plastic. I hate to go back to a SS bolt.
Chris

[Rick Westlake]

I was about to advise the Clamcleat #257 auto-release rudder downhaul cleats, like those I've installed on my X, but maybe your Classic rudder doesn't use a downhaul line.

Another possibility might be nylon bolts. I'm pretty sure they would shear before your rudder was damaged, in a kick-up situation.

[ronacarme]

hot melt glue sticks?

[Erik Hardtle]

I used to use Plastic Bolts and Nuts from Lowes for my Mac19. They were strong enough to hold, and wouldn't crack the gel coat when they rudders kicked up like the copper ones.

[impinnacr]

Yeah, I figured plastic was the only way to go. I checked at the local hdware store, but no dice. I'll run down to H. Depot and lowes tomorrow.
Chris

[Corsair II]

Plastic toilet bolts have worked fine for me (93 Mac 26S). They might be a little smaller, but if you'll attache the threaded bolt that comes with them, they will stay secure.

[Doug91mac26s]

Home Depot has many sizes of nylon bolts to choose from. Also, Idasailor is still in business, phone number 866-400-2204 still works fine.

[kmclemore]

As it happens, I came across some on eBay tonight... might want to contact them to see if they have what you need?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Delrin-S ... iesQ5fGear

[Corsair II]

As it happens, I came across some on eBay tonight... might want to contact them to see if they have what you need?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Delrin-S ... iesQ5fGear

Great tip - I just ordered mine! Thanks

[ronacarme]

Do plastic bolts shear before damage to the rudder system occurs? Has anybody actually experienced this of is this simply hypothethetical?
Ron

[kmclemore]

Before *major* damage is done, yes... but don't think they will prevent dings and chips in the rudder... it takes a pretty good whack to bust'em.