uno mas wrote:
while we do pay a premium for our hobie products, at the end of the day, we must accept they are rotomolded plastic with a tremendous degree of allowance for error. no two rolex watches keep the same time, no two plastic hulled boats will track the same. of course if there are adjustment errors or inherent flaws with the product it must be addressed, but honestly, there is only so much room for correction in some cases.
to assist in the issue in the meantime, there are other techniques that can be used to help get going in the right (or left) direction. im sure this is elementary, but turning the rudder all the way full in either direction and adding forward propulsion may not turn the boat right away. if one pedals a turn or two and closes the mirage drive fins close to the hull, this reduces the affect of fins in being a rudder and allows for a quicker turn--especially when starting from a dead-stop. as i said, this is probably elementary for you, but it is an example of some techniques that can help in manuvering.
cheers.
drew
Thank you for your suggestions, If this turning issue was just a slight difference (like a second or two off on a watch) I would not even worry about it. But it takes me two and sometimes three times the area to make a turn under the best conditions than what was shown on the promotional videos and demonstrated by the demo model that was assembled correctly. Being in the cultured marble business, I understand something about manufacturing flaws and I do not expect anything perfect. I just would like my kayak to work the way it was demoed on line and by the demo model at the dealer. The majority of the fishing I do is in areas that require me to be able to make tighter turns than what is possible right now. I’ve investigate something blocking the turning arms or handles on both sides (from inside the hull) and there are no (foam) obstructions that I can feel or see.
Here are some videos that inspired my purchase and show the correct turning radius.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-SOxVPi ... re=related Shows tight turning and a 90 degree handle angle at 8:30-8:31 of the video.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=j7Z ... =endscreenShows rudder turning enough to touch the hull on full turns to right and left when assembled correctly at 2:05-2:10 of the video
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=en ... CDgVc&NR=1 Shows a tight turning ability of a pro angler when assembled correctly. 2:18 -2:30 of the video.
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