The classic technique is to add a (removable) block above the pintle when
the rudder is shipped.

For a small boat, this shouldn't be needed. Did the plans call for
weighting the rudder?

Roger

http://home.insightbb.com/~derbyrm

"Ron Wierszewski" wrote in message
...
Im a first time boat builder and sailor. Yesterday was launch day...all
went well, until the sail went up and the Teal took off, faster than I
expected. The tiller was in my hand, but soon the rudder was loose in the
water. The rudder is mounted with gudgeons and pintles, to Phil Bolger's
plans. The weight alone is fine when not moving to keep the rudder in
place, but then..away it goes. Ive thought of adding weight , or a ring to
the bottom of one of the pintle pins to secure. I need some advice from
experienced sailors. Thanks in advance. (Teal is a 12 foot, sailboat, 3
foot beam)