Hobie Cat Forums

I was able to install the new rudder with a minimum of stress thanks to the video instructions. I did find that I needed to shorten the up and down lines as there was too much slack if I followed the directions precisely. To my eye, it seemed that the knots in the new rudder lines were much closer together than they are in the video.

My only problem has been that I can't keep the new tubes seated in the holes at the stern. I have followed the video and tapped them into place with a screw driver and a small hammer, but they pull out as soon as I use the controls. I'd rather not put in a sealant, but that may be the only solution. Any suggestions gratefully received.

I tried out the new rudder in 15 to 20 knot winds with flat seas and was delighted by how it worked. I quickly discovered that the new rudder is much more powerful than the old one. A little pressure on the rudder makes a big turn! This can be dramatic when reaching at speed in a gust. Thank you Hobie, this is what the TI needed in order to be a real sailboat!

P Burling

This loose line topic...

Watch in the video that he pulls all of the slack out of the up and down lines then clamps to the hatch lip. If you don't pull the lines tight... they will be too loose once released from the clamp.

Check to be sure the knots inside are not pushing the tubes out by hitting against the inside of the tube end. There is some friction, so glue may be necessary if the knots are not the issue.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Just assembled my brand new TI in the backyard. Awaiting trailer shipment.... and I'm just noticing this thread. I have the twist n stow rudder.

Maybe I missed something, but is the twist/stow really a problem? Should I get my TI registered and await the new rudder before sailing?

Your dealer will receive a rudder replacement for your boat. Keep in contact with them.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Have the new rudders made it to Texas. Waiting (or trying) to wait patiently for it to show up...

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I'd rather be sailing,
Mark.

My rudder came in and it is all installed. Tested it out yesterday and I must say it worked great. I very easy install. I installed a Harken 471 cam cleat for the up rudder line and to me that is a must. I have a AI so the cleat is in the same position as the down rudder cleat. The AI sides mirror each other.

Thanks
Hobie

Louis,

Installed the new rudder and kept the existing lines and it worked great. It took a bit of detective work and it was a 2 person/2 beer (each) project and well worth it. Clear hatchway. Did have to splice some more line to the down line very close to the end at the rudder pin. Otherwise, pretty fluid. Rained all weekend so will have to wait until next weekend to give it a try.

Thanks again, Hobie.

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Wile-E-Kayak

San Jose, California
TI - AUG- 2010

Do you have any photos of this installation Wile-e? I am thinking of doing the same.

abonnin,

No Pics. Get a teammate to double check as you go. Did the Down and Up lines first. Had to splice some of the extra new line to it and then cut the excess. Still need vice grips and also needle nose pliers for tight knots. Did the knots the same as the video. Then did the Left and Right lines similar to the video. Using the standard cam cleats for now. Will add the harkins later. Still need to test if I have the loose lines issue.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

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Wile-E-Kayak

San Jose, California
TI - AUG- 2010

I just got home from the USA last night with my new rudder kit. I plan to install it tomorrow. I like the idea of using the existing lines and had already been thinking about that. Glad to hear someone else has already done it.

So are you saying that you basically discard all the lines and tubes that come pre-attached to the new rudder?

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but if the new rudder pin breaks, doesn't that little circular retaining ring at the bottom of it get consigned to Davy Jones locker? Should I try to find some kind of spare for that ring, or is it not totally vital to the new rudder pin staying in?

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Island life in the Devil's Triangle:
http://2gringos.blogspot.com/

Line tension keeps the pin in place.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Thanks Matt. And thanks for getting the replacement to the USA address.

I wonder if I am the first person to smuggle a new TI rudder through another country's Customs Department...

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Island life in the Devil's Triangle:
http://2gringos.blogspot.com/

Gringo,

Correct, I did not install them. I still have them and ended up using some of the new line for the down line as it was the shortest. Good stuff. May come in handy another day...

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Wile-E-Kayak

San Jose, California
TI - AUG- 2010

thanks. That pretty much tells me what you did.

i got lots of vise grips.

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Island life in the Devil's Triangle:
http://2gringos.blogspot.com/

When can we expect to see the new rudder in OZ?????
it is winter (cold and dull - but I WANT IT!!! )

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Paul, Rebecca & Stephanie