Rudder pops up

OK this is really a basic question. Every once in awhile I'll be peddling at a pretty good pace and the rudder will come up (as if you were beaching it) and I have no control. I pull the up lever and then drop it back down and it's OK. Are you supposed to pull the down string and then lock it into the little clet by the down side string. I'm sure I'm not using the correct terms but maybe you get my drift. I bought the Outback in January and have taken it out lots of times but just recently started having this problem.

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Yes, that is what it is designed to do.

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

Is there a way to adjust the sensitivity of the rudder? I really appreciate the design in which the rudder pops up if an object is hit thereby saving the rudder from being damaged. But sometimes the rudder pops up for no reason - like it is too sensitive. A little water turbulence can sometimes cause it to go up. I'd rather not lock it in place unless there is a reason to, like sailing or surfing waves.

If there is no way to adjust rudder sensitivity, then please put that objective on the designers list of desirable enhancements. Thanks.

If this is a Twist-n-Stow rudder, if you tighten the center bolt just a little, it will act a little stiffer. Even with the line cleated down, the rudder will still pop up if you hit something.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Cleat it down. Even cleated down it still pops up if you hit something - like a rock or the beach. I have sometimes failed to lift mine in time when beaching; it pops up and suffers no harm.

Thank you Mr. Miller and everyone else. That took care of the problem. Seems pretty obvious now that I know what the clete is for. I am loving my Hobie Outback. Especially the sailing part!

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