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Off kilter rudder
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Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Sat Oct 23, 2010 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Off kilter rudder

Just bought a new Hobie Pro Angler. I noticed this afternoon that the rudder is not in line with the hull keel. It sits to the left of the keep by a bit.

I removed the rudder and dropped a close fitting rod through the rudder pin bore and find that it's the bore fitting molded into the hull that's crooked.

Haven't had it in the water yet and doubt it will affect handling or steering to any great degree but this seems a bit poor for a boat costing well over $2K.

Just curious if anyone else with a 2010 Pro-Angler has noticed if their rudder is out of line with the keel and if it has affected handling or steering. Thanks.

I am a Hobie fan by the way - I have a 2005 Outback that is still going strong.

Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Tue Oct 26, 2010 8:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

I'm guessing I just got a bad hull.

Author:  mmiller [ Tue Oct 26, 2010 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

How about a photo of how far off alignment? I can review with the factory as to whether this can be corrected if needed.

Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Tue Oct 26, 2010 1:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

I doubt it could be corrected - the molded in bore for the rudder shaft is off-center.

The keel is in the center of the hull. The rudder sits parallel to the keel, but just a tad to the left of it. I would say it's 1/2 inch from the center of the keel.

I haven't had it in the water yet so I'm not sure it will present a problem. But I did check my buddy's Pro Angler which is sitting here in my shop and his rudder is right down the center of the keel.

Author:  mmiller [ Tue Oct 26, 2010 1:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

The rudder hangs from a shaft... there is a "U" bracket welded to the shaft. Maybe that is off-center on the shaft? If that were the case, a replacement shaft would fix it.

Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Tue Oct 26, 2010 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

Thanks, but no. I have already removed the rudder and shaft and inspected it. It's dead on the money. Just to make sure, I put a close fitting, long bolt through the rudder shaft bore and checked it that way. I know the bolt is straight. It extends straight down but just to the left of the keel.

Author:  mmiller [ Wed Oct 27, 2010 11:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

This rudder shaft is created by a fixture in the mold as is the keel, but the keel can bend or warp. Hard to imagine the shaft moving to the side, but I am having the factory manager review the tooling. Sure the keel is straight? Shaft is not at an angle?

Author:  mmiller [ Wed Oct 27, 2010 11:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

Check inside the drum compartment. Is the drum level? Or is it closer on one side that the other which would indicate a bend to one side.

The factory manager says that due to the type of tooling involved, it is not possible for the shaft to move left or right off center, but the hull material it passes through is not very deep. A slight bend to one side has been noted in the past and is correctable by heating the shafts plastic area and using the rudder and shaft to tweak it back square.

Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Wed Oct 27, 2010 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

It appears level. The bore is not bent nor shifted, it's just left of center - but parallel to the keel.

It may be impossible, but this is how mine is. I'll try to shoot some photos this afternoon and mail them to you.

Author:  mmiller [ Wed Oct 27, 2010 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Off kilter rudder

The "Impossible" in rotomolding is always possible I guess!

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