Hobie Cat Forums

Hi all, loong time lurker, finally registered. Over the years i have learned a ton on this forum. Just to establish my Hobie cred; I've had 2 16's and an 18 over the years, I have a 16 now. Last fall I began to think I either need to lose some weight (im 220 lbs on a good day) or get a bigger boat. As much as I love my 16, I started looking for an 18. Instead, I stumbled upon a 20 that was just too good to pass up. I picked it up over the weekend and can't wait to get to get it out on the water.

All the parts are there, the hulls are in good shape (I checked all the trouble spots from pointers I got here) 2 complete sets of sails (252) and a spinnaker kit that doesn't look like it was ever used. Boards and trunks look very good, same with rudders.

Nothing looks even remotely like my 16 on this boat - a lot more lines and shock cord than im used to! I'm going to have lots of questions over the next few months, so thanks in advance for your help and patience. And now for the first of many questions;

Anyone have any suggestions for freeing a rudder pin from the lower gudgeon? Its been there a while (the rudders are not on the boat, but the prior owner must have put the pin there for safekeeping. I tried the normal wd-40 and it already looks like someone tried a punch or awl on it. Should I remove the gudgeon?

Thanks
Jim

The Hobie 20 rudder pins had a nasty habit of bending. I'd suggest replacing the dual pin system with one long single pin. To get the stuck pin out you may need to remove the gudgeon and place it in a vice so you can drive the pin out with a drift. Or if worst comes to worst, have a machine shop press the pin out.

Welcome to a whole new world of sailing. The 20 is a great boat and a totally different animal than a 16, almost not even comparable.

sm

Thanks for that - ill remove the gudgeon and try that way. Ill take your advice and switch to the single longer pin. Is that pin a 20 part? Or is it from another hobie? Use the same sleeves?

Thanks,
JDM

I don't believe Hobie makes a single pin that will work for the 20. If memory serves, I believe the 20's rudder pins are actually a smaller diameter than the other Hobie pins. Your best bet is to just get a length of stainless steel round bar (5/16" dia I believe), cut it, and drill holes for the cotter pins. McMaster Carr is a great source for this material.

sm

Thanks - good info. Ill swap out to the single SS pin instead.

Actually, Hobie does make a one piece SS rudder pin for the 20. I've got them on my boat as do most if not all of us sailing in Division 14. The part number is 40880011. Check with my friends at Mariner Sails, http://www.mariner-sails.com/, the Dallas Hobie dealer. They've probably got them in stock and if you place your order before noon, they'll probably ship them the same day.

_________________
Mark Van Doren
Division 9 Chairman
H20 #647
H14 #47787
H16 #112205

Jdm,

Where are you located? If you are within a reasonable drive of Shreveport, LA, I'll be glad to work with you to set up a time convenient for both of us to go over your boat. You can pull it over here, I'll help you rig it, then we'll take her out on the lake and I'll show you what I've learned about sailing this beast. It's a complex boat to figure out on your own. Seeing another one rigged up really helps. I had a lot of help (thanks Chris Johnston, Tom Page, Phil Collins and Wrinklie) when I started sailing the 20 and I'd be glad to return the favor.

_________________
Mark Van Doren
Division 9 Chairman
H20 #647
H14 #47787
H16 #112205

Thanks MVD, Ill order those. Can you still use the same bushings - or are those different if I use the single pin? Maybe I should just get new bushings anyway - im guessing they get some wear.

Would love to take you up on your offer - but Im in the Northeast; east end of Long Island to be precise. Thanks again for the help!

Regards,
JDM

The bushings and gudgeons are the same. From this page on the Mariner Sails site, you can access parts diagrams of nearly any Hobie: http://www.mariner-sails.com/department.asp?id=8515. With my rudder pins, I've found that a 1/4 inch keeper ring (HC 20860000) in the top hole and a SS safety pin (HC 20503) in the bottom works best. This configuration will allow you to permanently leave the lock ring in the top hole. Then, to remove the pin, all you have to do is quickly disconnect the safety pin and pull the pin out from the top. You'll want to remove your rudders for trailering and if you have EPOs, you'll want to remove them when not in use to protect them from UV.

_________________
Mark Van Doren
Division 9 Chairman
H20 #647
H14 #47787
H16 #112205

Thanks!