rudder cross bar

Ok I have read previous posts and was currious so I went and measured my cross bar... It's 77" what gives it's on a '73 that had good mast rake and perfect weather helm.


TIA
Don

I see you posted this twice so I suppose you want some discussion or an answer but for the life of me I don't understand what is the question?

I was on page 27 when I tried to post a new topic, then realized I was not on page one when I went to look for my post.

I am rebuilding this '73 and have been reading previous post about how long the cross bar is suposed to be. When you install the H20 kit you have to cut the cross bar down. so just out of curiosity I measured mine, and as far as I can tell it's stock, It measures 77" on the other hand I have a bigger tube about 8-10" long in the middle of the cross bar where the hot stick yoke connets. any ideas??

If you had good rake and no weather helm with a 77" crossbar....why not make it 77"? How can you get better than perfect? I agree your question is still not very clear.

Ok , So let me get everyone up to speed. I was reading posts from several years ago. (I think this forum goes back to 2004 -05) some one picked up a new h20 kit for their cross bars but it didn't come with directions. Leinght was a concern and several people chimed in with different measures, but, alas, comes MMiller, he states that a stock 16 had a 76" cross bar. But to install the new kit one had to cut the bar shorter.
I know "if it aint broke "

My bar hasa larger tube in the middle. wonder if the cross bar got bent and they cut it and fixed it wit the larger tube on the outside

The rudder arms are factory bent (to go over the tramp0 Are they also pointed inboard too

I don't know that there is a standard length. I have four crossbars and they are all different lengths and styles. Some crossbars have adjusters on both ends. Some on only one end. Some rudder arms are straight and some kick up and in. I don't think I have ever seen what you describe with a thicker tube in the middle of the crossbar. As you said it may have been repaired. If 76" is the right number and yours is 77", obviously you need 1/2" to go away from each end. Before you cut anything though why don't you just connect up the conversion kit with duct tape and measure the toe in to see how far off you are or how much extra you have to play with? The threaded adjuster end has two or three inches of adjustment as I recall so there is a little room for error.

[vimeo][/vimeo]
Sunvista, great ideas, thats why I love this forum. it's like an online R&D
Thanks, guess I wont worry about it.

Length of the bar could vary due to changes or bends in the tiller arms. As long as the rudders are parallel or 1/8" - 1/4" "Toe-in" you are good to go.

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