Rudder modification 26D

[mallen7]

I have a 1988 MacGregor 26D with what I believe is the original rudder. I would like to modify the rudder so it kicks up into more of a vertical position when I’m trailering.
I would appreciate any suggestions. Maybe drilling another hole further out on the rudder so that a it can pivot a llittle closer?

[Stickinthemud57]

Full disclosure. I would not do what I am about to suggest without very careful analysis of the strength of the top portion of the rudder and the construction of the rudder as a whole.

As I see it, the trick would be to relocate the pivot point so that it was closer to the trailing edge (as you suggested), allowing it to fold up into the bracket. The only way I see to make that work (aside from removing the rudder from the bracket and reinstalling it in the new hole near the trailing edge) would be to cut a slot between the original "working" hole and the new one so that after loosening the nut on the pivot bolt one could slide the rudder down to the other end at the new hole. One could even drill a new hole through the bracket and trailing edge of the rudder to pass a bolt and nut through to hold it in position when trailering.

The risk of compromising the integrity of the rudder in this critical area seems high to me. IMO, it makes more sense to remove the rudder or rudder and bracket and put it in the cockpit when trailering.