Hobby

Vibe Shearwater 125 - Gravity Rudder Installation

By Ryan Hurd · Published

Spent the afternoon giving my Vibe Shearwater 125 some much-needed TLC — and finally installed the gravity rudder I've been wanting. The day started with a thorough inspection of the hull, where I noticed some areas where the old sheathing had started to peel. I decided to replace it with fresh 1/4" and 5/16" sheathing, ensuring a smooth and watertight surface. The process was meticulous, with each piece of sheathing carefully cut and aligned to fit perfectly into the contours of the hull. Moving on to the cabling, I redid the entire setup for both the foot brace and rudder deployment systems. The old cables were frayed and had seen better days, so I replaced them with new, high-quality lines. I paid extra attention to the foot braces, cleaning them thoroughly and applying a generous coat of silicone lube to ensure they moved smoothly and without any sticky residue. The lube was applied in a zigzag pattern to ensure even coverage and a long-lasting effect. The wiring was the next step, and I made sure to run the rudder wiring into the back of the connector for the steering handle and foot braces. This setup was designed to make turning more reactive and responsive, which is crucial for precise control on the water. I double-checked all connections to ensure everything was secure and properly seated. The highlight of the day was the installation of the new gravity rudder. It was a big upgrade, and I could already feel the difference in the boat's handling. The rudder felt more responsive, and the boat seemed to track more precisely, especially in windy conditions and when navigating through currents. The foot braces felt like new, with the fresh cable and lube making them smooth and easy to use. There was no more stiffness or resistance, and the pedals moved effortlessly. As I wrapped up the work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The boat was now in better shape than ever, and I was excited to take it out on the water to see how the new rudder handles. Next time out, I'll report back on the boat's performance and how the new rudder makes a noticeable difference in tracking and maneuverability.