tiller crossbar

I have the old style tiller crossbar connected to the rudder arms with a 1/4 inch screw, nylon cones, lock-nut and the little spring for tension. I have replaced this screw a couple times but, every year when I take the boat apart for the season, these screws are bent all to hell. Last summer one was bent so badly that the lock-nut cracked and fell off. I must be leaving too much play in this connection. Is there a rule of thumb for compressing the little spring? Like cinch it all the way tight and then back off a quarter turn? Or maybe I should try a 5/16 screw.

Use the connectors that have the two square spacers between each connection (#3052). Compress the spring a little... thats it. If you are bending bolts... Do you take the system off the boat and fold the rudders together with the crossbar for travel? Do you raise and lower the rudder right at each tiller or more from the middle of the crossbar? You should go to each tiller. Normal sailing will not bend these bolts.

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

Nah, I never move the rudders as an assembly. I find it more convenient and easier to transport by disconnecting the crossbar and also removing the rudders/arms from the lower casting. Much easier to install/remove the rudder pins plus you don't get port and starboard rudders crossed. I also lock the rudders one at a time. Maybe I just need a better grade of SS screws. I've used screws from West Marine and also Ace hardware.

I crash a couple times a year where the tiller and crossbar usually go flying. That's probably adding to the stress.

I have seem those bolts already bent for sale at a Hobie store before.Is that where they are intended to be used? Bill 404

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Bill 404 21SE

I don't really know how to answer that.

You could always upgrade to the Hobie 20 style and not have to deal with it again.

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A friend gave me one of those conversion kits but I was under the impression that I also needed the straight rudder arms versus the older ones I have with the inboard kick in them. I thought about replacing the arms but they are "corrosion welded" into the upper rudder castings. I'm afraid I'd destroy the castings trying to get the old ones apart.

There is no requirement about the type of tiller arms.

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

Could the problem be bad cams? Applying too much force on the crossbar or each rudder separately could bend the bolts.

The bolts were bent on the H14 I just acquired too, and the cams are toast. I found myself banging around harder and harder trying to get the cams to lock before realizing that may be the reason the bolts were bent in the first place.

I've gently straightened the bolts and tighten down the spring. We'll see...

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Bruce