Mirage Drive Help Needed...Again

I need some help explaining why my adjustment screw keeps wanting to back/pull out. Not sure if it's related, but the mast on the other fin was bent after hitting some rocks a few weeks ago. I straightened it and the next time out I no sooner put the drive in and the adjustment screw on the other fin had somehow popped out through the top. Luckily it didn't rip the hole. Another Hobie owner on the water suggested that I put in an additional washer to prevent that from happening again, which I did. I tested the Mirage Drive in a big bin of water before going out again and everything seemed fine. Went out yesterday and it worked great. However when I pulled out the Mirage Drive I noticed that the adjustment screw had backed out again. I think it was adjusted correctly to begin with, but ANY suggestions on how I can fix this once and for all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Perhaps a little plumbers putty on the threads will help, you could also try saran wrap or the cellophane from a cigarette pack, remove the nut and cover the thread and then put the nut back on. Either way should increase the friction. There is always locktite or even nail polish, either should work if you have it.

If the adjustment screw rips out of the fin, that ususlly indicates that the Drive is not sitting in the drivewell correctly -- angled too far forward, recessing the rear fin slightly in the well where it binds and rips off as the fin goes from side to side. That's why they put alignment slots and tabs on the 2012 models.

To keep the adjustment screw from moving (different problem), I use Loctite Blue. Make sure everything is dry, move the screw around a little bit as you slip the liquid along both sides -- work it into the threaded area. You can leave a little on the rubber also around the screw. Loctite is good to have on hand for anything that moves without permission.

If you decide you want to try Loctite, make sure you use BLUE and not RED. If you use RED you will ruin the parts as it takes heat to remove a part that has RED loctite on it, just a FYI...............