Rudder upgrade to Hobie PA

[Fomen]

Upon further investigation, I'm thinking the upgrade can only be done on the Outback, not the Pro Angler. Let me know if I'm wrong.

[RedSledTeam]

If your PA is 2013 or older, there is a large rudder upgrade.

[Fomen]

I bought it used in 2015, so I'm not sure what year it is. Is there a distinguishing feature between the 2012 and the 2013 model that would help determine? I'm thinking it's a 2012, so the upgrade would be null and void.

[Raskal311]

Originally Posted by Fomen

I bought it used in 2015, so I'm not sure what year it is. Is there a distinguishing feature between the 2012 and the 2013 model that would help determine? I'm thinking it's a 2012, so the upgrade would be null and void.

The last few digits of the serious number is the year and yes i did upgrade my 2013 and it was a worthwhile upgrade. The only down side is it does stick out more so if you are lifting it on to it stern at a certain angle it can scrape the ground.

Have you tried tentioning the rudder line? that does help also.

[paddle man]

I HAVE A 2016 PA12 IT SURE SEEMS SLOW TO REACT TO TURNING IS THIS NORMAL ANY ONE ?

[Fomen]

Originally Posted by Raskal311

The last few digits of the serious number is the year and yes i did upgrade my 2013 and it was a worthwhile upgrade. The only down side is it does stick out more so if you are lifting it on to it stern at a certain angle it can scrape the ground.

Have you tried tentioning the rudder line? that does help also.

Rudder line is tight as a banjo string my friend. I looked into that yesterday. I'm thinking that the process of steering into two opposing forces (wind and tidal flow) impaired the efficiency of the rudder. It's not a huge deal. I was able to gradually get the kayak to turn. It just took a bit more paddling than it does during a slack tide with less wind. The kayak turned on a DIME when I was going with the tide and wind. I was just curious if the larger rudder would be more efficient in a situation like this? If the guys that have upgraded don't see much of a difference, I'll refrain from the upgrade and save the money for something else.

[alanw]

I have a 2016 PA14 and was told it already came with an upgraded rudder so no need to change it, not sure how many years back this goes. The wind is always an issue with any kayak. Heavy winds make it difficult to steer, more speed across the rudder works to give you back control so just pedal faster, which works for me these last few outings I've had in the wind. If you have a newer PA with the skeg, pulling it up helps a lot for maneuverability and quicker reaction. Google "kayak weathercock" for related topics.

[Fomen]

I just watched a video on the new (new at the time) 2013 Hobie Pro Angler. Looks like the dual rudder controls, storage management system, and upgraded vantage seat are indicators of the new model. I have all of those, thus I must have (at least) a 2013 model. I will look into getting the larger rudder. Thanks.