Install the hiking stick on the rear tiller cross bar with the hardware attached.
9.2 - Rudder Alignment:
To lower the rudders, pull on the 4mm line now run on
the inboard face of the rear cross bar. With the rudders in the down position,
measure the distance between the rudders at the forward and then aft edges at a
point approximately 4-6” bellow the hull bottom. Make sure the fore and aft points
are the same distance from the water line. If this number is not the same, the toe of
the rudders may be adjusted by detaching the tiller cross bar from the tiller arm on
the side fitted with a threaded end and turning. Continue to adjust the rudder toe
until you have an equal distance between the rudder edges both fore and aft.
The rake of the rudders is set at the factory. This may be adjusted as follows:
There is a putty stop located in the lower section of the rudder housing. The rudder
when deployed in the down position should seat firmly against this stop. If
additional rake is desired, simply use some sand paper and remove some of the
putty. If you desire less rake, you can add putty at this location to gain the final
desired rudder setting.
Note that it is very important that you first ensure that the rudders are fully
seating against the stop before making the decision to adjust this setting.
Also it is very important to ensure that you have selected a final mast rake
setting and are properly trimming your sails while sailing. The F18 is a
performance boat. Improper sail handling and trim will often transfer to the
steering system in the form of lee or weather helm. Adjustments to the
