Newest Steering Upgrade

If I retrofit my ProAngler with the new steering upgrade (the one that moves the steering to a lever instead of the seat mount) do I need to also upgrade the steering drum?

The drum seems to be the first attempt at improving the steering but I haven't yet upgraded that either.

Should I do both at once?

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Mike K

You may already have the larger steering drum. I think there was something here on this forum last year that spelled out when the running change was made.

Drum info:

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=20521

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

I've definitely got the original 3 1/2" drum. I just measured it to make sure.

I take it, I'll probably have to do both upgrades at once then?

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Mike K

No, not necessarily. Switch the drum out and you'll see a change due to the larger radius.

I really have no idea what moving the steering toggle to the side away from the seat would do. I prefer my seat mounted steering, it's quick, effective and the seat corner is a nice place to rest my hand, not to mention I don't sacrifice a rod holder position.

Hobie sent me the larger drum but I never changed the original drum. I just learned to deal with the original drum, not that big of a deal.

The biggest thing I'm trying to overcome is the amount of force needed to turn the rudder to the full left or right. I'ver heard the new lever style steering makes it almost effortless.

Does the larger drum and/or some kind of adjustment also help with this and eliminate my need/desire to switch to the lever style steering?

(Most of my time has been spent on AI's and TI's so this PA is all new to me and I haven't kept up with the forums on it.)

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Mike K

I should probably clarify my earlier question and say that the PA I'm about to buy has very "stiff" steering. You can only turn it effectively if you grab the very bottom of the knob assembly. If I tried to turn it from the top ball, it would probably break off its so hard to turn. After about an hour on it and your forearm starts to get a bit Popeye like....

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Mike K

Something just isn't right. I have a 2010 with the original steering system. I have 4 buddies with the same model year PA. All have the same system and all turn easily - you can flip the rudder side to side with your little finger. None of us have ever had a complaint about our steering systems.

Something in your system is messed up. It could be as simple as a crossed line. But properly rigged, the steering toggle turns as if on teflon.

Ive got a brand new unit, the steer is rather stiff compared to what Tom mentioned, but I dont really see it as a problem.

Is it normal that the PA goes anything but straight? I have to constantly adjust the steering and steer the whole time which is very annoying indeed.

Boats don't steer like trains, nor even cars. Current, wind, drift, etc., all mean that steering a boat requires a constant hand on the tiller. You can't expect to just point it at a distant point and have it track there perfectly. Boats don't work that way.

The PA's rudder also exits the boat at a point that is forward of the extreme stern. This gives is a very tight turning circle but also means that it's very sensitive to any movement. It's common to oversteer, and then have to correct when the bow finally comes around too far. But this is quickly overcome as you get used to the boat a bit more.

Ok, so its normal .
Unlike my 13' ocean prowler which can point and shoot straight .

Better hang onto that Prowler - you may have the only boat in the world that will travel in a straight line without constant steering input.

I had a prowler. The boat does cut through the water very nicely and seems to be going straight w/o effort. I think, however, when you paddle you are always course correcting. It seems to be done subconciouslly. One paddle with the left, two with right..etc. Especially w/o a rudder.

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2011 HPA
2006 Wildy Ride 135
2019 Hobie Compass
2020 Hobie Outback

New or old, steering a Pro Angler should not require and "force" on the rudder control. There must be something wrong in the system. Start by looking at line tension, then the rudder shaft through the hull. Burr, bend or corrosion on the shaft possibly?

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