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PostPosted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 10:32 pm 
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Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
If I had one criticism of the Hobie Adventure, it would have to be its rotund turning radius. Similarly, helm response is comparitively sluggish. At 16' and a straight keel line, it takes its own sweet time getting around to changing headings with the standard rudder.

I was curious to try out the larger rudder and see if it made much difference. Longer and wider, it possesses twice the area (and twice the weight) of the original.
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At first glance it looks like overkill, and I was tempted to shape it down a bit. Fortunately, I decided to take it out for a test run first.

The "Big R" is definitely an improvement. Turning radius is reduced significantly. Additionally, responsiveness is greatly enhanced. When this rudder tells the boat to respond, the response is no longer "maybe", but "yes sir!" Likewise, low speed steerage and control are noticably better. Although I havn't tried the sail kit yet, this would make a huge difference in tacking ability (changing direction upwind).

I like to engage in the bizzare practice of riding the swells of boat wakes, etc. The Adventure has got the speed to do it. The only problem is its tendancy to broach. This larger rudder all but eliminates the problem.

The only downside has to do with it's weight (20 oz.). The "Twist and Stow" system will handle it, but the added weight feels like it might be straining the system a bit when lifting the rudder up onto the hull. Every other aspect, including moving in and out of the lock position is no problem. It's not a big issue, but a possible area for improvement.

Overall, I would give this product an "A+". The large rudder greatly enhances responsiveness in all respects. With it, the Adventure handles less like a truck and more like a sports car. Priced at about $22, it offers a lot of bang for the buck. I highly recommend it as one of your first upgrades! 8)


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PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:25 am 
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Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2005 3:49 am
Posts: 43
Location: Canberra, Australia
Great report! I went out for my first decent sail in the Adveture on the weekend and it was blast with the daggerboard. The new rudder should be great...cant wait to get one!!


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 Post subject: New BigA rudder
PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:28 am 
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Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2004 6:56 am
Posts: 822
Location: Tallahassee, FL
RR,
Excellent report. Your comments about the lack of responsiveness of the smaller rudder mirrored my experiences to a T on the BigA, especially with regard to turning radius. Glad to hear the rudder has improved performance significantly. And that is one beeg rudder! Looks like it might have almost twice the surface area as the original. And, as you say, it should be a big help in sailing. Punchinello built his own slip-on larger rudder "sheath" for the OB and Sport, and also noticed an improvement in handling and sailing performance.
Thanks.
Dick

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PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:32 pm 
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Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 5:21 pm
Posts: 335
Roadrunner wrote:
I like to engage in the bizzare practice of riding the swells of boat wakes, etc. The Adventure has got the speed to do it. This larger rudder all but eliminates the problem.
Any kayak, after having pedaled the Outback, is a burden to turn. Sure glad to hear others have swell times with boat wakes. :lol:


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PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:08 am 
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Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
Rnykster wrote:
Roadrunner wrote:
I like to engage in the bizzare practice of riding the swells of boat wakes, etc. The Adventure has got the speed to do it. This larger rudder all but eliminates the problem.
Any kayak, after having pedaled the Outback, is a burden to turn. Sure glad to hear others have swell times with boat wakes. :lol:

I see we're on the same wave length. It really is mounds of fun. This could send ripples through the entire kayaking community! :wink:


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 Post subject: Big Rudder
PostPosted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 12:30 am 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2006 12:03 am
Posts: 11
Location: Hesperia,Ca.
Hey RR,
Thanks for the info. I'm leaving to lake mead on 5 day kayak camping / fishing trip with my son . I've got a new Adventure which I've taken out once with the small rudder (not Impressed), fortunately I purchased the big rudder when I bought the yak and I've installed it for this trip. I was somewhat concerned about how it would respond but now you've eased my mind. I'll return after my trip with a full report..
Thanks again, Baldyaker :lol:


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PostPosted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 4:09 am 
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Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:12 am
Posts: 33
Location: Louisville, Ky
baldyaker
Give us a review of how you packed your kayak for that camping trip; your packing list and how you stowed it. I am planning a few camping trips myself and am interested in how things fit. Are you going large cooler and fresh food and drinks or lightweight with dehydrated food and a water filter?
Thanks, Greg


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 Post subject: Re: Big Rudder
PostPosted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 11:11 pm 
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Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 5:21 pm
Posts: 335
baldyaker wrote:
I was somewhat concerned about how it would respond...
I tried out the Adventure with a small rudder and was quite impressed with the responsiveness of the kayak. It provided a pretty tight turn for a 16' long kayak. I have a paddle kayak with a rudder and it doesn't turn as nicely as the Adventure.


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