Boa rudder fix?

I have had many Hobies over the past three years, including a PA14. I recently acquired a 2013 PA12 and was well aware of the Pro Angler steering characteristics. One thing I've noticed between the 12 and the 14, possible due to the difference in length is that the 12 does not track as well.

The steering on the PA12 has about a 1/4" of "play" in it, but the difference in this play, is that the boat will react if the rudder handle is turned vs. play in the handle of an Outback where you can adjust the steering handle, but the yak won't turn.

So I have two questions.
1) is this why the Boa tensioner was added to the 2014 PAs? If so what is the part number Boa kit?
2) I bought the large PA rudder, but have not installed it yet. I fear by using it, it will make my problem worse. If anyone who has the new rudder could please comment.

Thanks

_________________
Cheers,
Adam
http://www.yakfisher.net

I have a DIY larger rudder and it does improve the PA12 tracking
However, the stern will still get swung around in windy situations when it hits you from behind or from the side

Both the Boa tensioner and the larger rudder help steering sensitivity issues.

Also knowing that the Pro Angler rudder is VERY easy to over turn... no loads, so turning too hard stalls the rudder and can cause issues as well. Steer slow and steady.

84507881 BOA STEERING LINE TENSION KIT

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

Much appreciated, thanks Matt!

_________________
Cheers,
Adam
http://www.yakfisher.net

Matt, Does the new Boa tension kit have instructions/diagrams too?

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Still without instructions as far as I know... just a parts kit.

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

Thanks Matt for your quick reply.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Hi Matt; any updates re instructions on installing the Boa tension kit. Pictures of what the installed product looks like?

Still no official instructions. This is a DIY hardware kit only.

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

Gemitaur.....I just installed the Boa tension kit on my 2013 PA-14 and it works like a dream.

I carefully measured where the boa was mounted in a 2014 PA at my local dealer, Kayak Shed.
My only concern was how to connect the boa line to the existing rudder line bridging/connecting the two rudder tillers together.

One suggestion Hobie made was to unmount and connect the boa line to the existing block mounted under the deck, close by the boa assembly.
That proved to be the best solution for me.....

You need to remove a couple of white foam blocks to have room to work....my foam blocks were secured by two SS sheet metal style screws, that went through the hull into the blocks.....carefully measure, locate/mark and drill the 4 holes required to mount the boa assembly (hint...I drilled the main body hole first, then placed the boa into the hull, finally drilled the remaining 3 holes for the 6-32 flat head screws), mount the boa assembly to the side wall, then unscrew the block from under the deck so its "free to move", connect the boa adjustable spectra line to the block......make sure the line has not twisted around the block under the deck....test the boa adjuster.
Plug the old block mounting holes with short SS hardware....reinstall the foam blocks and it's done.
Some of the assembly, inside the hull is all by feel, unless you have a helper who can assist with installing the 6-32 washers and nuts.

Connecting the boa spectra line to the block can be done using a couple of strong tie wraps or in my case, I first installed/looped the boa spectra line into a Hobie bungee hook # 78510001 that I had in the rigging kit, then using a 10-32 machine screw and nylock nut, secured it to the mounting hole in the block. Good Luck!

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR