Hobie Cat Forums

New rudder is awesome. Like getting power steering for the TI. Much more responsive and all that! Thanks Hobie for coming up with this rudder!

Hit 11 mph today. Sweet!


FourthOfJulySail by PhotoByMark, on Flickr

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I'd rather be sailing,
Mark.

Hi,

I am a new Tandem Island owner.
I went out just a few times with the original rudder, and in strong winds was unable to control the boat. I just installed the new rudder and I was amazed by the quick response and the improved directional control the boat gained! Thumbs up for the good job Hobie!

Now I am looking forward to receive my Evolve v2...

I have the new rudder and its working great. I would like to have a spare rudder pin or two since I will be doing some expeditions. Can anyone share the part number for the new style pin?

88991101 RUDDER PIN-TDM ISL / 2011+ AI

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Hi,
I am going to look at a used 2010 AI next week, which has the twist and stow rudder. Would I be able to get the upgraded rudder for free from Hobie if I purchase the AI?

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New TI owner - having a ball!

Only 2011 model year Adventure Island needs the replacement rudder. Will not fit the 2010.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

I got a new rudder installed by the dealer. After one time when there was a problem with the rudder controls, the problem was fixed by the dealer and the rudder now works well. I am impressed by how much more control I get with the new rudder as compared to the old one-great turns in a relatively short distance.

I do notice, however, that in strong winds it takes quite a bit of force to control the rudder. i often ask my wife, who sits in front, to operate the tiller with me. I have tried reefing the sail, which helps a bit, but operating the rudder often still requires a lot of force after reefing. Fortunately we have always been able to maintain control of the boat and have it go where we want.

My question is whether, under these conditions, there is a risk of the pin breaking or having the rudder otherwise become inoperable. If so, should we not be sailing in conditions like this? Also, any suggestions as to how best to being the boat in if the rudder has a problem?

Thanks again for all of the helpful suggestions I have received from this forum.

If it takes force to steer... likely the rudder is not staying down all the way. As the rudder moves aft, you will experience more load (weather helm). Pull hard on the down control line and cleat it tight.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

I will give this a try.

Also, is there any danger in trying to put too much force on the tiller handle during high winds?

Thanks again for your help.

Hi Matt,

Are the new straight up/down rudders installed on any Hobie models, other than the new AI/TI's?

Does the Adventure only kayak ship with the T&S?

BTW, I'm very impressed with the vertical rudder. IT handled high winds and moderate Hawaiian surf yesterday without issues. Mahalo Nui!

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"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

Only installed on the AI and TI. Too big for other models... adds drag.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Any idea Matt when the new rudder replacements will become available for us in Australia?....Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

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Mickey
2011 AI Golden Papaya
2011 TI Golden Papaya

The last of the rudders were shipped by sea in mid July, so soon I would think.

Contact your dealer.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Fantastic, I was hoping that we would get them for spring (not far away ). I am sick of looking at my TI in the garage; it looks soooo much better in the water.

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Paul, Rebecca & Stephanie