Hull flexing?

Last time I was out sailing my Adventure I noticed a sound coming from the aft every time I had my left pedal at approximately three-quarters stroke of full travel. It sounded like the rudder cable tubs hitting the left side built-in pole holder. I tried constantly adjusting the rudder at the same pedal position and no sound.

Wind was light, protected waters, twenty pounds of gear and me 200 lbs.

My guess would me the hull was flexing, is this a problem or not?

If you need to see it I am just north of you on the other side of the base at Dana Point.

_________________
See ya on the water,
OffRoad

Sound? Since the pedals are not connected to anything inside the boat... the sound would have to be steering cables slapping against something inside. I have heard people place a small foam chunk inside the boat to prohibit the movement.

Dan Ketterman concurs... When you wiggle the control handle you can usually hear the cable tubes inside moving around.

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

Hi Matt

The sound is a symptom not the problem. While the pedals are not connected to anything inside the boat the Mirage system is suspended by the hull. At the position of three-quarters stroke I am applying maximum forward torque (force) into the hull. The sail is also applying forward force into the hull. The sound is the steering cables (rudder control cables) slapping the hull.

When I wiggle the control handle I do not hear the cable tubs hitting the hull.

I will add silencing material if this noise annoys me.

My structural analysis would be the hull is flexing enough for it to allow the cables to come in contact with the side of the boat producing a noise. Working with structural systems most of my life I don’t find this a problem. I am only asking if this normal or OK for Hobie.

Thank you for your timely response,
Bob

_________________
See ya on the water,
OffRoad

Flexing? I can't say for sure on that, but there certainly are higher stresses in your example.

We have been doing a lot of high stress tests on the sailing rig for the Adventure recently. Cycle testing. As far as I have heard, there is not real concern here.

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

Ok

Thanks Matt

_________________
See ya on the water,
OffRoad