From: Dave Sitarski
Sent: June 30, 2018
To: HydroVane Will Curry
Subject: Stuck Pin

Hello Will,

I have the HydroVane installed on my 2002 Beneteau First 47.7. Installed last year in Alameda CA.

We just sailed from Portland Oregon back to Alameda. Came thru a gale on day 3. HydroVane performed great.

I was going to move the rudder, only to find the pin stuck. Tried giving it a nudge with a light plastic hammer. Moved just a bit. By using a screw driver in the loop end it did move around but still not wanting to come out.

It installed as usual with no problems. I installed in Astoria Oregon just before heading out to sea.
Is it possible the pin bent? Hard to tell.

Any suggestions so I do not damage any thing.

[Editor’s Reponse: If the rudder pin is stuck it could be that a bit of metal or debris is jammed inside the pin hole or the pin is bent.  If bent, you may have to try and hammer the pin tip straight or cut off the end that might be damaged.  Hopefully you can get it sorted without too much force.  We now have new super duplex locking pins that are over 200% stronger than the old 316 type.  We recommend using those for both the shaft and rudder pin.]

Thanks

Dave