Question - Rudder Line Kit - 16' Adventure

Hello - I recently replaced the rudder lines on my 16' Mirage adventure. I used the universal kit for the Mirage but the guide tubes are much shorter and the spectra line is making contact with the inside of the hull. Should I be concerned that will cause premature wear from rubbing over time?

Should I have gotten the kit for the AI/TI instead since this is a 16' boat? It looks like that kit has longer guide tubes.

Appreciate your insight.

Thanks,

Kevin

Yes.

80019012 LINE KIT AI / TI CONTROL REPLACEMENT

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

Thanks Matt - I would say Hobie should add that exception for 16' boats to the description of the "HOBIE LINE KIT MIRAGE RUDDER UNIVERSAL" as I spent a hundred bucks on it and now I'll need to get the AI/TI kit which does not have any mention in the description that it works on certain older Mirage models.

Cannot find this part anywhere. Out of stock from all usual sellers online.

Does anyone have one they would sell or can recommend where I can find one?

In stock here in Canada: https://shop.foghmarine.com/line-kit-mi ... al-ti.html

Thank you Paul - not clear if they ship to the US, I sent them an email though. Really appreciate your help!

Matt I'm perplexed -- I found what might be the last AI/TI Line Control kit left in existance (Shipped from Canada to US no less!) and the guide control tubes are the same length as the standard kit. The only difference is the spectra line might be a bit thicker.

I'm now out $200 on this endeavour and still no closer to having the correct length guide tubes to prevent the spectra from rubbing inside the hull. Any recommendations?

Here's an image of the kit I bought - I opened the kit, it was sealed like from the factory, and compared the guide tube length to the ones I installed from the standard kit.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ge7srS ... sp=sharing

Thanks,

Kevin

That's a bummer about the rubbing issue. I had the same problem with my old 16' Mirage. I ended up replacing the kit with one for the AI/TI and it was a perfect fit. The longer guide tubes made a huge difference in preventing chafe.

I'd definitely recommend checking out the AI/TI kit. It's a little more expensive, but it's worth it in the long run to avoid having to replace the lines again.

@Ackley - yes I bought what was supposed to be a kit for the AI/TI and the tubes are still too short -- either Hobie made a production error or changed the product without realizing it would no longer function perfectly.

I do worry about the lines chafing - I had this kayak over a half mile out into the ocean in rough seas lately on a trip which was over 20 miles total, losing rudder control would be a mess - would have to steer with the paddle the whole way home.

Between that and chasing down a leak I'm ready to cut this kayak up and put it at the curb, but you can't get a 16 footer anymore, these are becoming scarce!