Hobie Cat Forums

I broke another rudder pin today. Glad for that as Mission Bay is tame compared to Alameda (at least I hope Alameda has more wind and waves).

Has anyone moved to a better rudder pin than the stock supplied pin? I spoke to an engineer friend who suggested 17-4 PH stainless. Maybe move one size up? He said to have the new pin cut and drilled then heat hardened and that I would end up with titanium strength at a lower cost. Any other material engineer types have any other suggetions?

What would the cost be over titanium? Its not a large quantity of material so while dramatic I can't imagine the cost being that substantial. I don't know what titnium machines like either, if its more difficult that might add some challenges/cost.

Cost is not the primary concern here. He stated the the precipitation hardened stainless is easier to source and work with than titanium. I'm going down to the local airport machine shop tomorrow to check it all out. Then I need new bushings and may be gudgeons as the bushings went swimming and the gudgeons got tweeked. I guess I will be at Fast Lane Sailing tomorrow as well...

I'm just curios, how did you break the rudder pins.

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Mike Hensel
Hobie Tiger
Wind in your sails, water in your shoes, great day!

Just sailing. This is the third set I have broken. I sail a lot.

Sure it wasn't those EPO rudders?

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HCANA Class Member

No, this is the first pin broken on the new rudders, but the third on the current gut. I should have replaced the old pins with the new rudders.

I have a new set of pins and a few spares so I should be good for a while. The new ones are 316 stainless and another set of Monel K500 to be the more permanent set.

I was wondering if the rudder pins are upgraded to a material that wont break and you hit something or the force gets to be too much,

What will be the next part to break?
Will something tear out of the transom?

It the rudder pin shearing saving you from more serious damage?

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Mike Hensel
Hobie Tiger
Wind in your sails, water in your shoes, great day!

Hey Mike...

Sure that wasn't damaged when you smacked your head on the rudder when doing that hand stand a few weeks ago?

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

I have been using SS bolts from Boat US/West Marine for a long time; much cheaper than Hobie pins Need to get the long bolts (5/16? x 3-4"); cut the thread off, and drill them for a retainer pin, so if you figure your time they may not be cheaper in the end. They DO seem to hold up better, though. I broke at least two pins; have yet to break a bolt. I suspect pins are failing due to fatigue limits and not overall strength. Sailing with the rudders up in shallow water and backing down in a blown tack when the rudders slam over hard seem to be the main culprit. Try to avoid both