2015 Outback steering issue (videos)

When I got my Outback and began using it I noticed that controlling the rudder required a bit of effort on my part. I thought maybe it was contributed by the tension of the rudder lines. Controlling the rudder also made a sound like a cable was being plucked under tension. I finally compared it to my friend's 2015 Outback. His steering was effortless and virtually silent.
After some poking and prodding last night I isolated the problem to the spring that is sitting on top of the steering control arm. The below links to the video demonstrate my current issue.
A trip to the dealer will be in order but I want to know what the Hobie brain trust thinks.

Steering and high tension sound from outside.
https://vimeo.com/133884039

Same as above but captured from the stern. Yes, it's THAT loud.
https://vimeo.com/133884040

Finally, the culprit..
https://vimeo.com/133884041

I was about to say it sounded like a spring. Did you fix it with some lube of some type?

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2012 Outback with sail / 2012 Outback / 2013 11' Revo / 2006 16' Adventure (no AKAs)

I tried to put some oil on the mating surface but I think the spring to control arm contact is too great for any type of oil or grease to be effective. Maybe the spring needs to be compressed a little or reduce the spring tension somehow.

I wonder if a stainless steel washer is missing in the assembly...like between the inside of the hull and top of the spring??

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I did not see or feel one. The friction is coming from the bottom contact point between control arm and spring.

A close look at your video does indicate the spring is not rotating.....I believe that a SS washer, at the bottom end of the spring is installed on my PA-14.
That would at least allow the washer to rotate against the flat plate of the steering .....applying a little marine grease between the surfaces can't hurt either.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Just get her back to the dealer-it's new and not right, they should get it working right for you.

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Have Fun-Will Travel
2013 Outback-Sand
2014 Pro Angler-Papaya

Dang,mine does the exact same thing.so what was the fix ?

Both of mine do it too. Never thought it was a problem.

Have you guys has ad a fix for this and if so, what was the issue?

Did anyone ever come up with a solution to this?

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Duncan

I've got the same issue. 2016 LE. Dealer told me it was nothing to worry about but it's annoying. I also noticed that where the lines comes out going to control the rudder have been eating away at the plastic garment they run thru.

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2016 Hobie Outback Limited #220
2015 Emotion Stealth 11 Angler

Call hobie and see what they say

Matt Miller, Can you answer this as I may buy an outback also.

Mine makes the same sons but I sprayed some line and it got a little better. I think this might be normal