Tiller Cross Bar Length EZ Lock

So I purchased a used ez lock rudder system for a 2003 Hobie Getaway. When I got the system home, I noticed that it appears the tiller cross bar had been shortened by the previous owner. One end had a screw instead of a rivet holding the connector in place. Does anyone know how long the ez lock tiller cross bar is supposed to be. My guess is 77 inches since (a) the rudder arms are straight and not offset inward like the earlier model, (b) it is 79 inches between the rudder pintles, and (c) the connector pieces on the tiller cross bar are about 1 inch each when measuring to the center of the connection pin. Anyone know for sure?

I think that's normal, at least it's the way my Wave crossbar is assembled.

The current tiller cross bar is about 72 inches I think. It is possible it may be the Wave crossbar since it is so short. How long is it supposed to be for the Getaway?

Can't help with Getaway but I measured my Wave for reference. The crossbar is 70" overall length and 69" between the metal pieces that engage the rudders. They are the exact same distance apart as the rudder pintles.

Thanks for checking. That answers one question and maybe two. The cross bar I have is not a Wave Cross bar because it is much longer. Anyone with a getaway with ez loc? Can you measure for me?

Looks like 79".

Hang the rudders. Install the tiller crossbar. Measure the rudder "Toe-In". Should be about 1/4" closer in the front of the blade than aft.

You could tweak the tiller arms a bit to adjust.

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

Thank you Mr. Miller.

In measuring again, 79 is the distance between the pintles. That would be too long for just the aluminum extrusion section of the tiller cross bar because the end caps add extra length.

That is abosultely normal. The end where the screw is, has a fixed endpiece. On the rivet end, the endpiece is supposed to rotate freely (also the end pieces on the tiller rotate freely). In that way they can easily accomodate every position of the rudders. If one of the rotating pieces become stuck (has happened to me, not sure why), then the joining pins start to unscrew with usage.

That is abosultely normal. The end where the screw is, has a fixed endpiece. On the rivet end, the endpiece is supposed to rotate freely (also the end pieces on the tiller rotate freely). In that way they can easily accomodate every position of the rudders. If one of the rotating pieces become stuck (has happened to me, not sure why), then the joining pins start to unscrew with usage.

My 2012 Getaway has a 76-1/2" long extrusion. Can't really tell if the rudders are towed in.