PA Rudder Retraction Problem

Hi guys,

Recently bought a second hand PA12 and all was good until a few days ago.
Now the rudder will not retract anymore, I pull the cord and nothing happens. The cord seems very loose inside the hull. Has anyone else had this issue before, if so how did you fix it? It's probably a simple fix but I have no idea having never owned a Hobie before.

May have come loose from the rudder.

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

As Matt said, the rudder line came loose/untied....and the fix is simple.
If you open up the aft hatch, you should find a heavier black braided line....about 1/8" diameter on the right side.
This line is fed into a hollow tube, that enters the rudder turning assembly located under the black rectangular cover.
Remove the four screws holding the cover in place.
Feed the black line through the hole, going down to the rudder and into the hole located at the top, back edge of the rudder.....tie a figure eight knot in the end so the line will not come loose again.
Page 24 in the owners manual shows the rudder turning assembly http://static.hobiecat.com/digital_asse ... 140325.pdf
It does not show the black line feeding the rudder for up/down use, but you can see the inner workings of the turning drum and other adjustments if needed.

_________________
Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Thanks for the replies Matt and Dr Steelhead

The line is still attached to the rudder, but it has no tention. If I untie it from the rudder, pull it taught and retie will this fix the problem? Or is the mechanism more complex? I can post pics of inside the hull if that will help

Check the other connections within the boat. Possibly a line came loose or the forward turning block has detached (never seen that though). Hint: Digital camera / video in the hull to look around.

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