Sailor's all purpose tool

I bought a Hobie Sailor's all purpose tool (#83101) to use to rotate rudder cam when needed.

I can not seem to use it to rotate the cam. There is a hook and a slot that on the tool for rotating the cam, but the hook just slips off the bottom of the cam when I try to use is.

Am I using this tool incorrectly?

_________________
1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran
1977 Super Sunfish (sold)
1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold)
2008 Hobie 16 (sold)
2023 Hobie 16
Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club"
John

The cam may not be operating properly. They must work for the tool to work. Try some lubrication on the plunger to cam contacts. Use a water resistant grease.

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

I can rotate the cam with a big screw driver. The hook just slips off the bottom of the cam.

Is it supposed to hook into anything?

_________________
1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran
1977 Super Sunfish (sold)
1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold)
2008 Hobie 16 (sold)
2023 Hobie 16
Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club"
John

The instructions indicate a drill hole in the cam for the hook to insert into. That must be it.

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

I have the exact same experience. I'll look for the drill hole but so far I hadn't noticed it and the tool seemed a lot less valuable without this capability.

I didn't get instructions either, not realizing I'd need any. Can you post a link, Matt?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Photo shows it inserted in the hole in the catalog....

#83103 - SAILOR’S ALL PURPOSE TOOL. #83103 / Page 1 of 1
Repositioning Rudder Cam
Drill a 3/16" hole, centered in the ½" wide flat of each cam. Insert the hook in the tool in the drilled hole to flip cam back to
unlocked position.
Fore & Aft Rudder Blade Setting
The rudder should be firmly held against the black stop screw in the lower rudder casting under all sailing conditions. To adjust
it to do so set up as follows:
1. Lift tiller arm, back out black screw a measured amount (say ¾ turn), snap down tiller.
2. Hold rudder tight against screw, push upper casting aft to remove any play, push can stop plate into cam via its
capscrew and tighten this screw.
3. Lift tiller arm, advance black screw the same measured amount, snap down tiller arm, check if adjustment is OK. If
necessary redo to fine tune.
Adjusting Detent Plunger Force
This adjustment is very much determined by sailing conditions (shallow water or weed infested areas suggest very different
spring tension). The all purpose tool is designed to be stiff, and does have a ¼" hole in it for inserting a pin for additional
leverage, however corroded in place screws or over-tensioned screws can require so much force that the tool twists. If the
screw doesn't move relatively easily work it back and forth to loosen it, remove and lubricate it, as well as remove corrosion and
dirt from the threads in the casting before reinstalling.
Note: Rudder cams and plungers are subject to wear so be sure to check for proper rudder positioning (lock down) every few
weeks.

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

Thanks Matt - it now make sense.

_________________
1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran
1977 Super Sunfish (sold)
1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold)
2008 Hobie 16 (sold)
2023 Hobie 16
Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club"
John