Pesky wrote:
On steering the PA 12. I am new to the PA world...Is this a known issue with PAs?? It is not too hard to get used to, it is just very different from the Outback. It will take some time especially when I am fighting tides and other obstacles like bridge pilings. I will say I am very impressed with the turn ratio compared to the outback. This thing will almost turn in a circle on center once you get the rudder to bite. Any feedback will be appreciated.
The rudder set-up is entirely different on the PAs than the rest of the Hobies. The closer the rudder is relative to the boat's center line, the slower the response, the tighter the turn radius and (flip side of the same issue) the more unstable the tracking. In this regard, the prominent skeg goes a long way to mitigating stability issues.
Because this rudder sits under the boat in a channel between two hull protrusions, the relative water flow pattern and speed over the rudder are different compared with the stern mount outboard rudder.
This would explain the different response and feel with the PAs. Overall, most people really enjoy the difference once they get used to it.