mmiller wrote:
We'll keep looking at this, but after a couple years of testing (I personally have experienced a rudder that works like a charm... even without the down line cleated ... in rough water and 15-20 knots of breeze), I'm not convinced its a design issue. Its a new product, so sometimes it takes awhile A) for us to understand how production variances are effecting design and B) to understand what it is that users are doing to exacerbate the issue.
Honestly, by looking at the posts and poll, the users that are having some issues are a smaller percentage of the posters... and posters in forums are typically the ones having issues. We will make a change when and if the production, tuning and learning to properly sail the boat can not be worked out.
Matt, I've read every thread and post re rudder issues, and it seems to me that there is definitely
more than one issue. In my case, the rudder did not function repeatedly on a dead calm day, whilst pedalling leisurely. Whilst the TI was on the trailer I did this:
1. With rudder aligned fore and aft, pulled it down, and released the down line (ie, no tension at all)
2. Noted that it sat properly in the slot
3. Noted that
the latch and ramp did not engage, with about 0.5mm clearance between latch and widest point of ramp
That is, the rudder could slide in and out of the slot with absolutely no impediment. So using my new TI "even without the down line cleated" is impossible in any conditions, regardless of how calm. At least in my circumstances, I think that clearly deals with your points (A) and (B) above.
I'm considering a way to lock the rudder down - at least until Hobie works out that (1) there really
are problems with some of the TI T&S rudders, and (2) works out a
fix for it.
At least that way I can use my yak, even if I have to sacrifice the up/down mechanism.