Rudder Problem

When I release the cord from the cleat to drop the rudder, the rudder doesn't drop anymore. The cord is fine and there is no obstruction hindering the cord from releasing the rudder. There is rust on the screw that holds the rudder in so I'm guessing that there is more inside the rotor causing increased friction. I WD40'd it but it still takes manual force to drop the rudder..Any ideas?

Check the spring. You can drop the rudder out of the boat by pulling the roll pin on the steering drum. Allows the rudder shaft / rudder / spring to drop out the bottom of the boat.

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

Thanks Miller. I pulled the roll pin out of the drum and was able to check out the spring up close. I greased in/around the inside and then loosened the screw that holds the rudder in place. That did the trick. The rudder falls down like its supposed to again!