P-19 Kickup Rudder

It seems that the kickup rudder that we have on our P-19 is rather unusual. A few people asked for pictures, so here you go!

Photos

The rudder folded. A latch on the top of the rudder post locks the blade in this position. A lever connects to a connection rod that runs to the blade. When the lever is rotated, the blade goes down and is secured by a friction latch. This tension for this latch can be adjusted to permit the rudder blade to 'pop-up' under the right circumstances.

The cheek plates folded and extended. Note that lower pintle has been ground a little bit to make it fit next to the upper edge of the cheek plate.

Lever, friction latch and connecting rod detail. Note also that the lever pivot bolt is used as an attachment for the rudder safety strap. The hooked end is attached to a pay-eye on the transom.

Friction latch detail. The latch is made of some kind of white plastic. It's fairly flexible, similar to the stuff that plastic cutting boards are made of.

The large screw on the top of the plastic is used to set the 'popup' tension. The plastic is grooved to accept the lever rod.

Locking latch detail. The bolt used for the lever/connection rod pivot, extends behind and is used by the latch.

Top view looking down at the latch and the groove routed in the top of the rudder post. Note the connecting rod bolt.

Side view of the latch. Note that the nut and bolt for the latch are recessed into the rudder post, so that the tiller can swing up for storage.

View of the entire rudder in the down position.

Side view of the mechanism with the rudder blade down and locked.

Materials

1/2" stainless steel rod for the lever and the connecting rod
2" round stainless fender washers for the lever pivot
1/8" stainless plate for the lever and connecting rod ends
3/16" stainless plate for the cheek plates
1/4" stainless plate for the latch
Assortment of stainless nuts, bolts, screws and washers
Plastic sheet for the friction latch

Approximate Measurements

Distance from end of lever 'handle' to pivot point - 15.5"
Distance from lever pivot point to upper connecting rod pivot point - 9"
Distance between connection rod pivot points - 30"
Dimensions of the cheek plates - 9.5" W x 8" H