Rudder adjustment

I just bought a 2004 Getaway (older style rudder I think?)

The rudder cam on Starboard side does not pop open when i lift up on the rudder handle to lift the blade. I tried adjusting the spring tension and if I loosen it enough, then the cam does pop open, but then the blade pops up too easily while sailing.

it seems that if I adjust the cam plate to be more snug to the cam, it should solve the problem. Has anyone else had this experience and corrected it this way?

is there a special socket needed to adjust the cam plate? I tried with a 1/4" drive socket (1/2" size), but even that won't fit into the the cut out in the upper casting where the cam plate adjuster screw sits. is there a specialty thin walled socket needed for this?

Thanks,
Mike.

Yes, thin walled is required.

Read the cams FAQ for adjustment and maintenance information.

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=467

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

Thanks Matt,
that is a great post on the Rudders. My rudders are raked perfectly right now with slight weather helm. Hopefully adjusting the cam plate will not change that.


Am I correct, is it 1/2" size? I guessed at that because all the other nuts and bolts on the rudder are 1/2" with my 6-pt socket.

thanks again.
Mike.

Matt,
do you have a source for a 1/2" thin wall socket?
the only thing I can find online is 1/2" drive impact sockets in thin wall. I doubt that such a heavy duty socket will have a smaller OD than my 1/4" drive sockets.

thanks again.

Sometimes, cheap cheap sockets are thin walled. Not intentionally, but to cut the cost of materials. The downside is that you have to buy them in small kits and not single sockets.

_________________
Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Anyone out there have a chance to measure the cut out in the Casting for this adjuster bolt? I found a 1/2" socket with an outside diameter of 11/16"

my boat is over 3 hours drive away or i would do it myself.

thx