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The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=34266		 Page 4 of 5
Author:  Tiki Tack [ Wed Mar 09, 2011 11:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Say for arguments sake I am really attached to the TI rudder "as is". If I MacGyvered a way to keep the rudder from popping out under stress, presently addressed by the extra bungee, would I be in the clear?

I am thinking along the lines of how a dive knife is retained in the sheath. A slot and an attached piece of spring steel similar to how this Blacke Collins designed Gerber knife is made.

Image
Image

One could use the stock setup on the boat to lower the rudder and "snap" it into place but then you would need to manually undo it to raise the rudder...or create some releasing feature :-)

I am just throwing this out there because its on my mind and I have always been impressed by how well that particular knife snaps into the sheath!
Author:  TIDALWAVE [ Wed Mar 09, 2011 5:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Dogslife...installation of new rudder?
From your comments, it appears that the new rudder line tubes have the same
outer diameter as the old tubes to be able to be fit in the present hull tube holes, correct? Is the procedure to cut the old lines in the interior rear and tie on the new 100# spectra lines? Is the line 'splice' located near the rear hatch?
How coordinated will owners have to be to do this line replacement? I may wish to sign onto my dealer's list to get near the front of the line.
Author:  moses_pl [ Thu Mar 10, 2011 4:29 am ]
Post subject:  Jib ?
Other question
I´m looking for Jib for my TI
is this a hobie part?
Image
Author:  mmiller [ Thu Mar 10, 2011 9:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Only in testing. Not available for sale at this time.
Author:  TxYackMan [ Thu Mar 10, 2011 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Cool! New rudder and jib "Just in time for spring" ? (Fingers crossed)
Author:  bosab [ Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
the new rudder design is excellent. I dragged bottom , I caught crab trap buoys and never had a problem. It just kicks up and you have to reset it. Holding it in the up position is another step(cleating it up) and you have to rememeber to uncleat the up before you cleat the down. You can even steer thru shallow water with it dangling out but takes lots of hand power to steer much this way.
I made it to Fort Myers and pulled out after I realized I was starting to make some bad decisions. Unfortunately I was unable to find a good stopping spot to catch some sleep. The only two issues I had with the boat was the crab trap float that caught up in the ama aka joint which spun me out and a whole lot of wear and looseness in the aka casting to aka tube connection.
The crab trap float hung when the ama dove under a wave. The odds are very low this will happen again. It did pop the shear pin in the rear brace. Fortunately the tramps were out and this stopped the ama from folding in completely or I would have more than likely capsized.
The high wear on the casting has to be addressed. Pre race you could wiggle the aka tube in the casting and feel some play. Post race on one side there is is easily 1/16" play between the tube and casting. The rivets are just not holding things tight. The casting is fretting away on the tube. Any similar issues on this would be good to hear about. The only solution I can see would be a longer casting and more connection rivets . There is also a lot of play in the pin . I am sure Jim and Matt will be looking at this issue as well. The rudder is near perfect as is.
Also very little leakage into the boat thanks to Chekika and Rick Grove who showed me how to care for my twist and stow o rings.

Bosab
Author:  bosab [ Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
One more learning I made. Reef early and sail slow when you are not sure of things. I probably was pushing the limits and as others have said in this post the boat drives better once reefed to the right spot.
Author:  TxYackMan [ Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Look forward to the new rudder.

Tell me more. What should I be doing for the O-rings?
Author:  Chekika [ Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Regularly lubicate the twist-n-seal hatch cover o-rings with silicone grease (available at Home Depot plumbing dept.) Keep these rings and the opening absolutely free of sand and other debris to avoid leaks.

Other lubicants tend to cause the o-rings to loose shape and sealing qualities.

Bosab--that's a good story about the crab pot grabbing you! Damn those crab pots!

Keith

PS Bosab's advice comes from a WaterTribe Everglades Challenge participant. It is sage advice.
Author:  TxYackMan [ Sat Mar 12, 2011 7:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Thanks Keith.
Will do that. I think my rear hatch does leak a tiny bit. Hopefully this will cure that problem.
Author:  KayakingBob [ Sat Mar 12, 2011 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Remember the 2 outside screws (right/left) on the rear hatch go through the hull and can loosen and leak if not kept tight.
Author:  TxYackMan [ Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Both are loose, thanks will take care of that.
Author:  mickeymouse [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Quote:
The high wear on the casting has to be addressed. Pre race you could wiggle the aka tube in the casting and feel some play. Post race on one side there is is easily 1/16" play between the tube and casting. The rivets are just not holding things tight. The casting is fretting away on the tube. Any similar issues on this would be good to hear about. The only solution I can see would be a longer casting and more connection rivets . There is also a lot of play in the pin . I am sure Jim and Matt will be looking at this issue as well.

bosab I think this issue could do with a seperate thread as I am aware of a number of posts in different threads that refer to loose rivets, galvanic corrosion caused by differing metals used on the aka knuckle assembly etc.
I have checked my 2011 AI knuckles and they all have some play in them. I also have seen my mate's akas that have noticeable galvanic rust occurring
Around the rivet points after just 3 months careful use. :o
Author:  chrisj [ Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Gee, between the rudder and the aka joints, they seem to have transferred the worst features of the TI's to the AI, but none of the better features (like the retractable dagger board for example).
Author:  Chekika [ Fri Mar 18, 2011 7:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Hobie AI/TI Rudder
Here are some quotes from WaterTribe users of the "prototype" new rudder:

Dogslife aka Paul Kral:
Quote:
I really like the new Hobie Rudder. It is much more responsive and easier to maintain if you need to adjust the line tension.
As far as the rudder report: There is a noticeable performance difference in the new rudder. It is much more responsive. I hit some high winds and heavy seas. The rudder did not let me down. Going into Placida I ran over some shallows. The rudder did kick up.
The great new change is that all the adjustments are made at the rudder. You center the rudder and control handles. Take up the slack. Tighen the screws. Tie off excess line above the rudder.


Bosab aka Charlie Fast:
Quote:
the new rudder design is excellent. I dragged bottom, I caught crab trap buoys and never had a problem. It just kicks up and you have to reset it. Holding it in the up position is another step (cleating it up) and you have to remember to uncleat the up before you cleat the down. You can even steer thru shallow water with it dangling out but takes lots of hand power to steer much this way.


Brogan aka Paul Myers (Brogan piloted an AI)
Quote:
The new rudder worked very well in the heavy wind and waves in Tampa Bay and upwind as I moved down the coast. I felt I had more control in the waves and the boat reacted faster (of course this is just an impression).

I did have a problem on day two as I was going through Pine Island Sound, it was about 9:30pm, dark, when I lost control of the boat in big waves and rounded up. I feared that the rudder had kicked up from too much pressure, but when I checked I found rope from a crab pot float wrapped around it. I untangled the rope and continued on my way. In the morning I did tighten the rudder line just to be sure it had not stretched from this mishap.

My only complaint is that the rudder will turn almost to a 90 degree angle to the hull if you are not careful. I think it needs some type of stop to prevent this as it interferes with steering.


Matt Miller (not a WaterTribe user):
Quote:
The rudder will be much stronger on the new rudder system.

The molds are ready. Test parts being run soon. Then some extensive testing. Ready for distribution to all owners in a few months if all goes well.


Keith
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