Rudder turning radius

I had to adjust the rudder turning string. The rudder was barely turning right and very far to the left. I did not bother to test the rudder on land, and learned the hard way after barely being able to turn right, and having to break out the paddle to turn right. I was not happy about that. This is a brand new 2009 Oasis- does Hobie not test the steering before sending them out of the factory?

I just received a 2009 Adventurer direct from factory (replacement hull) and the T-handle rudder lift cables weren't even attached to the rudder. They were just hanging loose. No screws in rudder to secure them either. The cables inside the aft storage opening were just thrown in the bottom of the boat. Rudder turning cables weren't adjusted either.

Disconnected rudder lines:

That is just plain wierd. They had to have packaged the boat before finishing it. We don't use the screws any longer. The lines pass though the holes and tie to each other.

Yes they test the boats steering and up-down function. Steering lines may have been hung up inside during adjustment and shook loose... or hung up in transit. Hard to tell.

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

Thanks Matt. No worries, I know shipping is very hard on a bulky item like kayak I got them working, but I do have one question. I just installed the "balanced" large rudder. It seems to have a different lock down notch on it and lock is down position much more firmly than small rudder - or even the old non-balanced large rudder. In fact, it locks down SO well you can't get it to unlock and lift using the T-handle. I have to manually knudege it out of lock notch and thei it will raise with handle. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?

Try loosening the bolt through the drum. Wiggle the steering as you raise the rudder. They are heavier, so will be harder to raise.

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