2017 MD180 fin alignment question.

Hi all,

I've been enjoying my new outback for about a month now; the performance is great... I have the new style turbo fins on it. As I was storing the drive after removal, I noticed that when the pedals are lined up straight/even, the fins are about 3-4" offset. Conversely, when the fins are lined up in-line, the pedals are staggered slightly. I'm not sure if one of the mild groundings (soft bottom) or some other thing caused this, or did I just not notice it when they were new. Is there an adjustment for rigging them? I'm assuming there is...Performance doesn't seem to be reduced at all. Any thoughts on this are greatly appreciated.

Check your pedal fore and aft adjustment positions. Should both be on the same number.

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

Photos of the drive from different angles would help us decipher what the issue might be. It could be that the pedals are adjusted to different settings on each side. Could be a bent fin mast, or maybe the drive was at half-shift when you were looking at it...Hard to say without seeing it.

_________________
Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

I will absolutely check the position number when I get home! Great suggestion.... didn't even think about that. I'll also check other suggestions...

Most likely the fore/aft pedal settings from the sound of it, but have a look and if that's not the case we should be able to help based on a photo or two.

_________________
Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Thank you! It was the pedal setting being off one notch. I should have checked that, but I hadn't changed them and didn't think of it. While looking over the rest of the drive, I noticed something unusual; what looks like the fin membrane coming loose from the rubber strip that goes over the spine/shaft. The original (unused) stock fins don't have this. I've tried to attach a picture, but simply cannot find the attachment option. Here is a YouTube version below.....Thanks again for your help!

https://youtu.be/tqhGwU6zZgU

This is likely a non-issue at this point...if the fin separates completely, then Warranty will cover you - you'd just have to contact your dealer and have them submit a claim.

_________________
Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Thank you Howie...I'll keep an eye on it.

Thank you !! All of your information has been very helpful. I'm now feeling up to speed on the new drive. I have one more question, then should be set. First, if the drives are used, say twice a month in salt/brackish water and rinsed thoroughly each time and lubed, how often is complete disassembly required where the needle bearings etc. are cleaned and lubed/greased? Thanks again for your advice, greatly appreciated.

You should not disassemble a 180 spine. Apply lite oil at the gaps between sprockets, drums and spine. Hobie Multi Lube.

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