Broken Rudder Steering Line: Strategies for Dealing With ?

My current strategy is to use my single-bladed paddle as a steering oar or steering paddle.

I've tried this a few times in light air and it seems to work... more-or-less.... mostly less...and I have doubts about heavyier air.

Has anybody got another approach that works for them ?

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2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
Pre-September 2015 cradles
(anybody want to buy a slightly-used AI SpinKit?)
eMail: [email protected]

Add a set of external lines to your rudder to use in situations like a broken line, or, more likely a line that has slipped loose at its rudder connection.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

Are you doing that now?

If so, got any pix ?

I'm thinking nicities that the likes of me would never come up with....

_________________
2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
Pre-September 2015 cradles
(anybody want to buy a slightly-used AI SpinKit?)
eMail: [email protected]

A motor and/or keep plenty of pins available to replace in rudder. Simplify rudder lines so no entanglements are not possible. That about covers all scenarios here.

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Mark
Tandem Island- 2013
2 - Sports - 2014

See Tony's very nice solution found here:
viewtopic.php?f=71&t=58913&p=280154

As CR says that is another benefit of adding a motor. I have steered with my motor quite a few times since fitting it as draws a lot less than the rudder.

Pete, I've posted a description of my external rudder lines here.
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=7276&p=285133#p285133

Not nearly as elegant as Tony's but similar.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

I really like Hajime K's steering system, not as a backup but instead a replacement for the tiller in some situations. Haven't tried implementing it yet though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmokGcagtJk

It's been brought up here before as well, just one comment from someone who uses the system. He said it was about $100 in parts:

viewtopic.php?f=71&t=57060&hilit=hajime

I had a good look at that system and have the following observations

1. It does not appear practical for steering when seated in the seat, and inoperable from the rear seat
2. I believe the steering system would become unusable if an ama is folded

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

FWIW, I think I have a solution: https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=60647

Works like a charm with no rudder, but next time out I will test it with the rudder jammed in hard-right or...left position - and not exppect it to work....

_________________
2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
Pre-September 2015 cradles
(anybody want to buy a slightly-used AI SpinKit?)
eMail: [email protected]