Hobie Cat Forums

I've had my TI for exactly one month and have only used my boat about eight times (work and weather!!!), but five times, the lower screw on the rudder assembly pulled out and left me with no rudder control. The first time it happened, I thought it was just that the factory didn't tighten the screw down. The second time, I thought I didn't tighten it down enough (I didn't want to overdo it). But then the third time, I was sure that there was something wrong. This all happened in light winds, with no real stress on the rudder at all. It's not very difficult to fix when this happens, but it's a pain when you're out on the water and have to pedal into shore (I mainly sail on a local pond).

This past weekend, I went down to Cape Cod to sail and when we arrived and set up, the rudder was dangling. It was tightened before I left and the only thing that could've knocked it loose was the wind while driving down to the Cape.

Then, I was out yesterday and having a friendly race in moderate (10-13mph) winds. When I went to tack, I heard a distinctive "zipper"-like sound of the screw pulling out of the hole -- and I was once again, dead in the water.

Has anyone else been having this problem?

Not something I have heard.

I'm not sure what screw you are referring to. The one that holds the rudder onto the housing (has a lock nut)... one of the gudgeon fitting screws? Gudgeon screws are held in by Loc-Tite, so additional loc-tite should be applied when re-installed... or one of the rudder control line screws (these also have loc nuts)?

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

It's the lower screw that bolts into the boat (just above the rear drain plug).

I guess I could try loc-tite -- but it seems like it might be too late. The way it came out the last time, when it sounded like a zipper, makes me think that nut/bolt assembly has been stripped. Loc-tite keeps screws from turning over time -- not from popping straight out. Although, it still tightens down, it seems to come out way too easily -- like it's stripped.

But if what you're saying is loc-tite is part of the factory assembly, how did it come loose in the first place and what if it's now stripped (and will keep recurring, even with loc-tite?)? Like I said, two times, it came out just by the wind caused when the boat was being towed on a trailer.

BTW - I love the boat. It seems so well thought out and everything about it is just perfect: dual controls, simple assembly and breakdown, looks great in the water and sails really nice. I'm just having this one nagging issue. Everything else is great!

Thanks for your help and i hope there's a simple solution...

How long is the screw? Some TI's were shipped early on with too short screws.

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI

Sounds like this problem re-occuring?
viewtopic.php?f=75&t=29769

or... older serial number never updated by the dealer.

In any case, you should get back with your dealer for the fix / correct length screws.

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA