re-drilling rudders

I have a new to me rudder since my old one broke and need to get it on the boat ASAP. I have filled the existing holes with marine-tex, just came in from it. I need to re-drill them but am unsure how to make sure they will line up properly. I assume that I can use my other rudder as a template??? Or, is there some trick to make sure it fits to the castings/tiller properly? Thanks.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

1. Absolutely essential you use a good quality drill press.
2. Yes, you can use your old (broken) rudder as a template, or, the other rudder.
3. How is your weather helm? do you want to use this opportunity to marine tex the good rudder and re-drill with slightly more rudder rake? That is, the tip of the rudder will move forward a bit. This helps offset the strong weather helm typical of 'block to block' sheeting in of the main. Check the Forum and CatSailor for tips on this.

No more sailing for us in Ontario until Spring, have to wait until Dec 19 and our Xmas break in Ft Lauderdale. Hello Fleet 204!

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2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

I have a pretty detailed description of rake and rudder blade drilling in the Sailing Forum FAQ:

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=467

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

Thanks for the replies. John, I had thought about re-drilling to add more rake. I talked to a buddy of mine about it and he said that since I don't have the updated tiller system, (the one with the screw on top of the part of the tiller bar where the rudder attaches, I don't know what it's called), and it might not be worth it. I don't know if that makes sense or not, or if that has nothing to do with rudder rake. I do have some weather helm, it's really not that bad last I remember. I like to have a little because I like the feel of the pull, as long as it isn't excessive of course. Plus, I sail solo most of the time and like the assurance that my boat will round up if I should fall off.

Matt, thanks I'm about to check out that link.

Thanks for the quick replies. Supposed to be 10-20 mph winds tommorow so I'm trying to get this done. Hopefully it will have cured enough by tommorow. If any of you NC guys are going to Jordan Lake tommorow I'll be there.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Drive just a little longer and sail your boat where it belongs . Alot of us will be going out tommorow . For now just copy your existing rudder holes. Again without the adjustable cams raking will not work with your set up. Give me a ring if you need more info.

Aww man, that is tempting. I may do that, but I have to work until at least 9 am tommorow. But, it's really only like another 30 min. I could be there by 11-12. I didn't think you were going to be there this weekend. I haven't talked to you since last weekend, but I took a job at the golf course I used to work at for the time being. Got to have some income to pay for the freakin' 3 dollar a gallon gasoline so I can go sail, which virtually cost nothing. Funny how that works, but... until waterworld I guess that's the way it has to be. Do you think ya'll will be going out Sunday too? I've got that day off. I'm sure you probably are. I'll see if I can't make it. What do you have going on next weekend as far as sailing goes, I've got that weekend off and had been planning on heading down there. It sucks I can't make my own schedule like I used too when I was the pool manager. It used to be so great. Approaching cold front, expected low pressure, no rain in sight... (cue Lumberg voice) to co-worker: "Hey, I'm going to need you to come in on Saturday. Ohh, I almost forgot, I'm also going to need you to come in on Sunday. Yeeeaaah."

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Gees, you guys are tough. It is getting too cold, even here in NC!

Ashaffter, you have to get you a good steamer wetsuit. Then, the cold is merely something in the mind. I've only had mine for a while, but it makes the season year-round. There has been a change of plans though, I'm going to take genmar star's suggestion and head down to Wrightsville for the next two days. Give me a call if you think you might want to head down there, it isn't too far from where you are. (910) 527-7203. I think there may be several boats going out. I can't remember if you had a suit last weekend or not, but you are welcome to wear my shorty and spray top. They are xxl's but I'm sure it would work for the weekend, it's supposed to warm up a little tommorow.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Do you have anything to thaw out a lake? I saw ice on the pond next to my house this morning. ugh...

Tommorow will be 65 and sunny. NW winds 15 to 25. Water is still 70 degress. A 3/2 wetsuit will keep you plenty toasty . Were you at the Sweet 16 regatta.

I'm sorry Karl, you got me on that one. Maybe hobie can come up with a way to adapt the hobie frame for skates, like those sailing ice boats. Take the hulls off when the ice shows up and put on the skates. Imagine flying a hull that way, or worse yet, digging in.

Maybe it can be done.

There you go Hobie, your next product line.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Way too much sail Abbman. The DN uses something slightly larger than a Hobie jib and will easly do about 50 mph due to no drag.

BTW DN ice boats are cheap right now in MI. Everyone needs the mony to buy gas or for the mortgage.

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1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

DVL, I was really only kidding about the ice boat thing. But, those ice boats sure are cool, I can't imagine what that kind of speed is like under sail. No ice in most parts of NC though. I've never seen a body of water that I've thought, "hey, maybe I could walk on this". But I love the weather down here, we get a little taste of it all. I feel for you guys up north that are stuck inside, having to think about sailing and the ferrari of a boat that is sitting in the driveway. It kills me when I can't go for a few weeks, I can't imagine what it would be like to have to wait a few months.

I'll dedicate tommorow's sail to you guys.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

No, we get a "little taste" of it all. -35F isn't abnormal in January, 100F isn't out of the question in August. I'll take the heat any day though. I've never had trouble getting my pickup to start because it was too hot.

I've kicked around building an ice boat. there is a very short window where you actually can use it, and some years not at all. You need cold, and no snow.

I have what used to be called a full, one piece, warm water diving suit- fabric over breathable (?) thin rubber liner. It was fine at the Sweet 16 regatta (I was there- white rainbow sails- sailed mostly single, and didn't race. I need to find my old wetsuit booties- my feet get cold easily.

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Alan
'86 H16, Sail #89057