AI steering failure

I became the proud owner of a brand new AI in Aug 2010 and have absolutely loved the boat. Last Sat in easy conditions I lost steering by way of breaking the port steering line. The line broke at the point it penetrates the hull. I found myself without rudder steerage 3kms down wind from home in Sydney harbour. I was in no danger but seriously inconvenienced. I managed to get home via tows and paddle steering/peddling but let me tell you it's not real flash. I've paddle steered for experience running and reaching as many of you have I'm sure. Try sailing to windward in 10-15knots, "hopeless" I felt like Capt Cook and the HMS Endeavour trying to work of a lee shore- can't do it. Tacking is all but impossible making ground to windward - minimal.

I'm disappointed the steering line parted. I contacted my dealer who as always offered every assistance, my issue is I have lost confidence in the boat. The steering system should be better after 3 years of development. I sail offshore much of the time and now I'm not so sure. I'll repair the line with the dealer on Tue and discover what hidden chafing caused the break and try to prevent a repeat. Will report back.

Dave,
I understand your frustration but don't be put off from your offshore adventures. Understand that this is a rare event. As I recently posted in another thread I have never had a spectra line failure in 4 years of Hobie kayaking. Posts on line breakages are rare. Had you noticed any fraying of the line? It's a good idea to carry out regular inspections of the lines, especially where they exit the hull.
Looking forward to your report back when you discover the cause.

PS: When limping to windward it's often easier to drop the mast, put your head down and just pedal. This makes it easier to use the paddle as a rudder.

I have a new Ti (arrived a coupla days ago) and have not sailed it yet. I asked the question about whether these lines could snap in another post as I was concerned of safety on open sea implications (this was the post Stringy mentions headed New Ti a couple of questions... or something similar).

Is the Ti rudder same as Ai? I am thinking of adding a backup feature...



Essentially a bolt on stainless steel bracket that I can hook a pole onto (at point X) and use it to steer from the back seat (push back pull forward sort of thing). Maybe even a hole in the end of the paddle blade that drops over "X".

I must admit I haven't even sailed on yet lol (blowing a storm in the UK... F8-9 last 48 hours).

Just thoughts at the moment but prior to open sea trips I do feel an effective and simple backup might be essential.

The steering line was expertly replaced yesterday in a matter of minutes but I'm none the wiser as to why it broke. On inspection of the broken line it appeared to me to be a clean break rather than a chafing issue. I was told that "a few of these lines have been replaced in the last 6 months and usually caused by attempting to deploy the rudder with bungee still connected". I suggested that the up and down lines were separate from the steering lines and was told that "the port steering line could be damaged if incorrect deployment was attempted".

The day the line parted I had to redelpoy the rudder after the first attempt and the pressure required was a little more than easy. In future I will deploy the rudder by hand and same with raising it. A good thing to come of it is that the steering is lighter now, so I guess the message is if your lines get harder to use - go to your dealer and get them looked at.

Another small issue is the caps falling off the akas - mine have fallen off a couple of times, I lost one and I have now used a c/sunk rivet to keep them on. Small item but you ca't sail without them.

I hope I don't sound like a complaining old jerk - the object is to share knowlege and avoid repeating misadventures.
Thanks Stringy for your words of support. I still love my AI.

Another small issue is the caps falling off the akas - mine have fallen off a couple of times, I lost one and I have now used a c/sunk rivet to keep them on. Small item but you ca't sail without them.

It's not unknown to happen Dave and I had one come adrift a couple of years back which I simply glued back with no downside. It is a good practice to check the caps etc when you put your boat away after usage. Your fix is a great one which has also been adopted by Hobie with their 2011 boats...Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

DaveW,

Is the C/sunk rivet you used Stainless? If so, where did you find it? I am trying to find a 1/8 SS C/Sunk rivet to repair a camcleat on my H18.

Thank you!

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1984 Hobie 18

Sailin
I used ally rivets and yes they are a little hard to find - try window companies they use them. You could put a standard rivet into a countersunk hole.