Rudder pin snapped, replace it with steal?

I was out in 25 knots and the rudder pin snapped at the top and bottom. The pin is made of aluminum, should I replace it with a steal pin or is the pin designed to break before I pull out the transom?

It is odd to snap an aluminum pin. I have to assume that the pin was well worn. Stainless steel is prefered over aluminum due to the wear issue, but if you sail surf, you might consider fiberglass or even nylon pins to protect the transoms if you back the boat down on the rudders. If the rudders hit the beach going backwards... it is trouble. In all other conditions... stronger is better.

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

PS the nylon pins fit really tight giving you better, smoother control and don't wear on the gudgeons like the stainless ones do but I don't know where to find them anymore. (any ideas Matt?)

You might also want to look into the die cast, one piece gudgeons. I have a machinist buddy who made a pair of these from stainless back in the early 80's. (This is another one of those add-ons that should be standard equipment in my opinion.)

Have a Hobie Day!!

One piece cast gudgeons are standard equipment as well as solid stainless rudder pins. Very little wear.

We still carry the nylon pins in the catalog. They are fragile. Maybe a leash on the rudder system, so you don't loose it.

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