I apologize if this has been covered before. I did a quick search and didn't see anything so I thought I'd post. I've got a 2012 PA12 and have been using it quite a bit. Overall I love it. But one thing that continually bothers me is the tracking.
The issue isn't so much steering "sensitivity", more that it won't go straight unless your hand is on the tiller constantly making micro-adjustments. This is quite different than my experience with other hobie kayaks (outback and adventure). On those, you can commute without needing to have your hand on the tiller every moment. For those of us that make long commutes to fishing spots, this is a real pain. On the other hobies I can tie a leader, eat a granola bar, paw thru tackle...pretty much do anything you want and still be pedaling in a straight line (with only the occasional adjustment).
I realize this is a very different vessel than the outback or the adventure, but I also am not the only one complaining about this. Attempting to retie a leader while traveling is basically impossible - you look like a drunk person trying to pedal a hobie! I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a defect, but it's a very un-hobie-like flaw. Needing to have your hand on the tiller at all times while moving is a real pain. Yes, I've already tried tightening the rudder lines. It's bigger than that.
Is there an official or unofficial fix for this? Again, it's not so much a sensitivity issue so I'm not sure the steering drum replacement is really gonna solve it. But I'd try it if there's been success with solving this issue. What about a longer rudder? I saw this:
http://www.pensacolafishingforum.com/f4 ... od-132780/Looks very interesting. Any help appreciated.
Thanks,
Rory