"Phat Albert", Hobie's Newest Shallow Water Rudder Review

It hasn't hit the streets yet, but I was able to test the newest rudder specifically designed for shallow water operation. Obviously related to Hobie's large rudder, it is one third shorter yet still retains 4/5 the surface area of its larger cousin. In the test model I made some depth marks to see what the actual draft is with the Revo 11:


The first test was to note the actual draw on this rudder. It varies slightly by boat and application but in this case, it is about 8.5" standing and 9.5" at about 3 MPH (probably the fastest you would want to travel in shallow waters).



This shows the bottom silt sticking to the paddle at about 8" depth and Drive installed but pinned up. If it gets any shallower, you can get out and walk!



Next, I took the little Revo to the busy San Diego Harbor to see how the rudder responded in tide, wind and confused seas. I apparently must have been transported into a major navel gun battle where the rudder got put to the test of avoiding getting blown out of the water amid this obvious predicament! In exiting, you can also see here there was plenty of choppy water. Maneuverability was excellent and there was no lack of "bite" at any time.



Back at the local lake, I checked out low speed operation. Like the full size rudder, this has "0/0" capability -- I can execute a 360 degree turn at a dead stop, no wind, calm water (hint look up "sculling" or Yuloh" for an explanation). Likewise, this rudder can back down in wind while retaining directional control then execute a 180 degree turn (with practice). Excellent job.

Finally, using the rudder as a skeg, the Revo 11 was paddled around the lake without any tracking issues. As some of you know, the Revo 11 is probaably the least directionally stable of all without effective rudder control. This is a rudder that if adjusted properly (no slack in directional control) it holds the boat in position with little or no corrections.

In my experience with various rudder mods, the Hobie large rudder can lose up to 35% of its area and still perform all of its functions without degradation. Talk about being over sized. This allows various custom applications of the rudder without losing any noticeable authority.


In summary, the "Phat Albert" is an excellent shallow operation rudder without sacrificing any other functions. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a rudder that doesn't need to kick up in shallow water. Unfortunately Hobie is out of stock on these rudders until further notice, but you can make your own version by ordering a large rudder and loping 4.25" off the bottom. I think the price is about $34 plus tax these days. FYI, this rudder is actually one inch shorter than Hobie's small rudder while providing vastly superior performance.

Edit: To be perfectly clear, this is not a Hobie factory option, but a DIY project. Here are a couple of pics showing how it is easily made:




Works great in all respects except in reverse the max safe speed limit is about 2.5 MPH

This is a great idea. I was going to cut an inch or so off my sailing rudder on my Revo 13 as I hang on my rudder on a regular basis.

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Duncan

Thanks for a great review... I may not need the rudder, but I now can tell others about the rudder if they mention they need a solution to shallow water kayaking in a HObie...

daft, I'm wondering what your point is. What you appear to be describing sounds like a "pitch-pole" and has little to do with rudders, but rather poor judgement or bad luck. If you'd be kind enough to site your source for this accident, it would be nice to read the actual account, since your description appears to be non-sequitur.

This topic is about shallow water operation. Your choices are to pull the rudder, or find an effective way to make a rudder work. Lengthening your rudder is not an option.

In your case dealing with urchins, reefs, overhead waves, heavy boat traffic in confined spaces and large tidal flows with your inflatable i-12, under sail no less, you have to be the best judge of the equipment appropriate to your needs. Keep safe!

Any time frame for release of this bad boy? I was thinking of getting the larger rudder for my 2012 Outback, but after seeing this, I will wait.

jcnoslrac:
Most of us old timers have been getting the sailing rudders and just cutting the bottom off for years (it's not rocket science, just order the sailing rudder and saw off the bottom yourself with a hacksaw,( I think they used to be around $30 bucks or so, I don't know the current price)).
I have done this on 5 or 6 kayaks different we have owned (several Revos, Oasis, etc), and it works out really well especially in our local Florida waters where we have a lot of very shallow areas (and oyster beds).
We even kayak sailed with the shortened rudders.
Actually with our TI there is no need to shorten the rudder, you can prop the rudder up so it is mostly out of the water, and it still steers over shallows fairly well. The whole trick is to raise most of the rudder out of the water (don't leave it horizontal, it's too hard to steer that way).
FE

Can it be retrofitted to a PA14?

_________________
PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC

Not a current Hobie Cat project... DIY concept I believe.

This is a twist and stow large rudder cut short. Will not fit a Pro Angler.

There is a larger rudder (PA17) that can fit the PA12 and 14. 84612001 RUDDER BLADE, LARGE PRO A

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

OK. Thanks Matt. Got the large rudder installed already.

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PA 14; 2012
Cape Fear River - NC