Changing Rudder on Outback

Last weekend I broke down and purchased a large (sailing) rudder for my outback after months of harassment from my son who claimed he could turn his hobie around in a bathtub with the larger rudder. At first it looked like a daunting task to switch rudders with the multiple screws and lock nuts but the switch took less than 5 minutes. Yesterday I tried it out and all I can say is "WOW". What a difference the large rudder makes. Instead of constantly adjusting the rudder while paddling I can pretty much set it and forget it. It goes where it is aimed and, although I would not try to turn my outback in a bathtub, the turning radius is half what it was with the standard rudder. Bottom line - cheap and easy switch and well worth the effort.

Unfortunately, my 2004 and 2005 older "flip up" style rudders cannot use the replacement sailing rudder. The mod is for the newer twist and stow rudder.

Fortunately, inventive Hobie types had suggested finding appropriate material to make a "sleeve" to slip over the flip up style rudder.

A local surplus supply store has thin sheets of PVC material which I shaped and riveted together then slipped over the existing rudder.

Works great and as you noted, no more constant rudder correction...and yes, turns on a dime!

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"If I'm not at work, I'm Outback"

I put one on my Revo last week and am very happy with the results. Best $23 I've spent on it yet.

My own feeling is that none of the shipping kayaks should come with anything but the larger rudders.

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Mitch

2010 Tandem Island
2010 Revolution
Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore

My sailing blog
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I LOVE my larger rudder as well, but note that it will drag on the bottom of shallow water much quicker. And the access to the stern carrying handle, at least on the Outback, is tricky because so much more rudder is now on top of it.

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Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.