RUDDER LENGTH MODIFICATION ?

I am about to buy a Hobie 16. The estuary I sail on has extensive sandbanks which will mean I will have to experiment with the length of the rudders to maximise time on the water and the size of the sailing area.

Has anyone any knowledge about the effects of reducing the rudder length on sailing performance.

Not good for performance for sure. The boat uses the rudders for lateral resistance as well as steerage. You will loose steerage and upwind performance.

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

Try making sure your rudder cams are adjusted well to allow the rudders to pop up when you hit something.

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Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...


'02 Hobie Tiger USA 1152

This is a common problem in many coastal lakes in Australia.

If you look at local Aussie built (non Hobie) cats many use a low short wide rudder. I'd do some googling and see what you find.

I don't see why you can't make a rudder that is (say) 15" long) and a simillar width with the extra width distributed forward and aft of the rudder pin.

Not the ideal (as built by Hobie) setup but a little experimenting will see it work well enough to allow you to enjoy your sailing.

Some US bulit cats had short but wide rudders.

Many thanks for the replies to my enquiry about reducing rudder length so I can sail in shallow estuary waters. I will experiment with the information recieved and hopefully post the results . Your contributions will hopefully shortcut the time and effort in arriving at a workable solution.

I have seen a cat with a short deep rudder which appears to have the same draught as the cat hull....this is an 'Escape' cat. I have no knowledge as to how this affects the performance.

Please keep replying to my initial query, I am impressed by the generocity of contributors.

My best wishes. Paul.

Check out the Windrush rudder at the bottom of this link.

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl= ... CDIQ9QEwBg

Have you thought of the kick back kit?

I only mention this because it hasn't been posted yet. It may not meet your needs, but there is a rudder return kit that you can install that consists of a set of shockcords that allow the rudders to kick up, but after doing so the system pulls them back down into place.

I've never seen it in use, but it's Hobie P/N: 1544 and is US$15.75. Who knows, could be just the thing. If not maybe you could mod it to suit your needs, or make some derivation of it to meet your needs.

Good luck!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'