Rudder alignment after rudder casting conversion

Hi

I just converted the rudder castings on my 1981 H18 to the "new style" rudder castings.

I was able to get all the parts together, but now the rudders have a ton of weather helm. They are way aft of neutral, and there is a lot of slop in the rudder.

I tried to move the rudder adjustment plate up as far as it goes. That took some of the slop out, but the rudder still has a lot of movement, and a lot of weather helm.

Do I have to re-drill both the holes in the rudder? Can I just re-drill one of the holes?

If I release the top screw, I can get the rudder to sit tight in the lower casting. Can I just reposition the rudder, and re-drill the top screw?

I don't want to mistakenly put lee helm into the system.

I am reluctant to use the template on the support page. It looks difficult to print and use.

_________________
Aaron
1981 Hobie 18
Fleet 250

You MUST fill both of the existing holes and re-drill to the proper locations, there is no way around this. The holes for the two rudder systems are completely different. The easiest way is to find someone with the new rudder system and use one of their rudders as a template. The good thing about the new rudder system is that if you mis-drill the holes slightly, you can still dial in the rudder rake with the adjusting screws.

sm

The kit included (should have) a template for the re-drill:

http://static.hobiecat.com/web_uploads/2009/12/08/60330100.pdf

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Great, Thank you Matt.

_________________
Aaron
1981 Hobie 18
Fleet 250

I have the white plastic rudders. Can anyone offer advice on how to fill the old hole after I drill the new ones?

_________________
Aaron
1981 Hobie 18
Fleet 250

Take a piece of clear packaging tape or masking tape and stick it over the hole(s). Lay the rudder on a work bench with the tape side down. Mix up a batch of epoxy. Pour it into the hole until it reaches the top. Let it cure. Peel off the tape. Done.

sm