Hobie Cat Forums

Directly from a bulletin I sent to dealers last week: 2007 AI's now eligible for free rudder up/down upgrades.

Rudder up/down system for Adventure Island and Adventure

We have been so impressed with the better function and improved sailing experience using the 2008 Adventure Island rudder up/down control system that we are now extending the free retrofit program to the 2007 model Adventure Islands (2007 model owners previously had to pay for the upgrade). Consumers are also eligible for parts and installation labor credits on kits previously purchased or installed by a dealer.

Affected boats have 2007-08 serial numbers, were built and shipped prior to September 25, 2008. Newer boats shipped after this date have the newer control system installed by the factory.

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What the system is - The 2008 line control system is internal and exits the hull in the cockpit just forward of the mesh stowage pockets. The down-control line (located on the right side) uses a cam cleat to securely lock the rudder down. The up-control line is located on the left side of the cockpit. Once the lines are released, a shock cord system retracts the lines back into the hull. The system is very clean looking and is easier to operate than the existing control handle. The ease of deploying and retracting the larger sailing rudder is much improved.

To work the system, simply lean slightly forward to grasp the down-control "T" handle on the right side of the cockpit and pull. Add additional tension, if required for higher speed sailing, and cleat. Store the down control "T" handle and excess line in the mesh stowage pocket if desired. To raise the rudder, release the down line and then reach to the left side for the up-control line. Pull until the rudder is retracted onto the deck and then release the line. The slacked lines retract back into the hull and the rudder remains stowed on the deck.

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# 81391002 RUDDER UP/DOWN LINE SYSTEM '07-08
This will upgrade '08 Adventure and '07-'08 Adventure Islands to the 2008 rudder up/down control system (Program does not include 2007 Adventure).

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Matt, will that also include the 2006 Adventure Islands?

They would have to since islands purchased in the fall of '06 are '07 models. Last 2 digits of serial # are '07.

I'm happy as I have 2 Islands to upgrade. Hobie felt the Up/Down line upgrade for us Sailing the Island important and compelling enough to make it available.

I personally have "sold" 3 Islands by selling friends on Hobie's support and great product.

Really "smart move" by Hobie on this Matt. I don't know anyone that doesn't have good things to say about Hobie and the AI (except maybe about "instructions" that come with those mods.

My bright yellow rig looks pretty good sitting up high on my Rack and Roll trailer--and looks even better with the Dodger. In SW FL walkways between the gulf and ICW are always lined with people either fishing or just enjoying the sights. Eyes really bug out with amazement as I blow by power boats through this No-Wake zone coming back off the gulf. Against a fixed background, you really can get an idea just how fast the AI can move. People always ask how I like it and where can they get one. They leave knowing I'm a very happy owner. Happy with the guys at Dolphin Kayak Center in Sarasota, happy with the Hobie forums and all the help you get from the entire Hobie family of users.

Just wanted to give some kudos for a great decision.

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Polecat
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Hobie AI & WS Tempest 180 Pro
SW Gulf Coast: Sarasota to Keys

I'm not completely useless. I can always serve as a bad example.

Very cool.

Thanks to the good guys at Hobie. Where to I apply for my refund?

Ditto...

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NorskBoy

See the dealer who sold you the kit.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Matt,

I hear that Hobie is sending the new rudder pins with the upgrade, is this true?

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NorskBoy

Not all kits have or will have the new rudder pin. This is a recent plan to change the kits. There is no intent to provide pins to those who already converted. It is simply an additional item we are adding as a convenience.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Matt can we get a picture of the new rudder pin?

The "new" pin looks just the same. Only difference is the head. It is not round. It has on side flattened off to help pass by the line controls... do kind of a " D " look.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Do the new pins have a higher shear strength?

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NorskBoy

Yes, higher shear strength was the primary issue.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Let's see.

New Balanced rudder.
New Up/down control lines.
New rudder pin with higher shear strength.

Looks like Hobie has evolved the Island rudder making it easier to use and more reliable.

Listen - Adapt - Upgrade

Thanks Hobie!

Love the Island and the unfailing support for the product!

Yak, It's nice to see Hobie incorporating your "D" top design in their new rudder pins! Perhaps they'll give you a lifetime supply, but hopefully you'll just need one for each of your boats.

The Hobie engineers come up with some pretty amazing stuff and so do the members. And it's especially nice to see one of the member mods go into production! This has to be one of the most fertile forums around -- an excellent benefit for all!