Servicing Hobie rudder? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

03-25-2012, 08:12 PM

My rudder has a weird feel to it. It's just not smooth. It is very very stiff, and it feels like its getting caught up on something when I try to turn it. Is this something a simple greasing can fix, or something I might need to have looked out by a pro?

Another thing I noticed, is that if it's pointed all the way left or right and I peddle, it just goes forward. I have to center it and then put it back to the side to get a response. It also makes a noice like a clunk almost. Went out with another guy who has a PA and his doesn't do the same thing.

Iceman · 03-25-2012, 09:11 PM

start by popping the rudder access and see if something is binding or out of place there.

jorluivil · 03-26-2012, 03:47 PM

Speaking of rudders.......while fishing at DP Saturday I noticed that mine had some up/down play on it, it felt weird. When I got home I made a phone call and was told to remove the sticker that covers the screw that holds the handle in place and tighten the bolt using an allen wrench. I'm glad I checked immediately because I was able to give it at least one full turn before it actually felt like it was starting to tighten up. I would have hated for the handle to come off at the worst possible time.

mtnbykr2 · 03-26-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

Speaking of rudders.......while fishing at DP Saturday I noticed that mine had some up/down play on it, it felt weird. When I got home I made a phone call and was told to remove the sticker that covers the screw that holds the handle in place and tighten the bolt using an allen wrench. I'm glad I checked immediately because I was able to give it at least one full turn before it actually felt like it was starting to tighten up. I would have hated for the handle to come off at the worst possible time.

Happend to me about 4 miles from a launch and let me tell you it isn't fun
to steer a Hobie without a rudder, the lesson here is IMO check your equipment every so often, I check bolts and fasteners, drive and rudder operation the night before I leave, or sooner, cause there is nothin like paddling a tupperware bowl for a few miles...lol

03-25-2012, 08:12 PM	#1
Drake Guest Posts: n/a	Servicing Hobie rudder? My rudder has a weird feel to it. It's just not smooth. It is very very stiff, and it feels like its getting caught up on something when I try to turn it. Is this something a simple greasing can fix, or something I might need to have looked out by a pro? Another thing I noticed, is that if it's pointed all the way left or right and I peddle, it just goes forward. I have to center it and then put it back to the side to get a response. It also makes a noice like a clunk almost. Went out with another guy who has a PA and his doesn't do the same thing. Last edited by Drake; 03-25-2012 at 09:20 PM.

03-25-2012, 09:11 PM	#2
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	start by popping the rudder access and see if something is binding or out of place there. __________________

03-26-2012, 03:47 PM	#3
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Speaking of rudders.......while fishing at DP Saturday I noticed that mine had some up/down play on it, it felt weird. When I got home I made a phone call and was told to remove the sticker that covers the screw that holds the handle in place and tighten the bolt using an allen wrench. I'm glad I checked immediately because I was able to give it at least one full turn before it actually felt like it was starting to tighten up. I would have hated for the handle to come off at the worst possible time. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer