Passport Rudder modification.

I haven't done a water test yet, but it seems to be working fine.
Installation takes 5 minutes without drill any holes.

I replaced the aluminum rudder factory pin with a longer and thinner one in the area that goes into the rudder housing. I also added a clamcleat, the holes of which fit perfectly with the holes of the rails, I even used the same screws.






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I really want to do this Modification along with a H-Bar that i Ordered I do a lot of Bank and Shore Launches and getting feet wet for the rudder is just silly especially when it's cold - Is there a link to a brand or anyway you could help me get it right? I don't know why Hobie doesn't make a kit like this and save us all some trouble

As a suggestion to keep your feet dry during launching, I can attest these Kokatat launch socks are really good.
I have been using these for 5 years and having dry feet is the way to go in cold water.
IMHO, they are worth every penny!
https://www.outdoorplay.com/kokatat-hyd ... ?color=267

_________________
Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Hey Ormonddude,
Take a look of the new removable rudder of the iTrek series, I think that will be a better solution. Of course, if Hobie decides to release it as a separate accessory.
I will try it as soon as possible and share the result.

I only see replacement blades and not assemblies for the Itrek anyway can you tell em where you got the longer pin? I am most likely going to machine 1 myself from a stainless rod but it's a lot of work with basic power tools

this is a reasonable option but not what I am trying to achive my last Yak was a perception outlaw and i could literally just step onto it sit down and be off but it paddled heavy and this destroyed range. The Passport is a bottom end Hobie but still $1800 with Tax and they should stop treating it like a redheaded step child and by that I mean I chose it over other models for the wider cockpit and the Open Deck Platform because my dog likes to ride in the bow - Uprade drive to 180 no - Upgrade rudder no upgrade seat no - I honestly think this is a great boat and I just wish Hobie had more pride in it

Hi I watched your youtube vids a while back and asked a question about where the steering rod connected and you answered thanks very much for that. I Purchased the same rudder and and after 5 trials in the ocean I had to change back because There seemed to be pressure on the steering rod and the slightest thing would move my rudder left or right sometimes with a clunk. I tried several different positions of the rod and the round tightening screw and it did not help I even drilled another hole to connect the steering rod to fit it as good as possible and it still moves about.. I swapped back to the old one and it works fine? Did you have any similar issues and if you did how did you fix them.. Cheers Russ

What pin did you use for the rudder and how did you remove the old pin?

Plenty of pride in the Passport range, but this is a price-point product in our line. Low list price was the goal. You can upgrade to 180, but we do not have a suitable rudder upgrade offered yet.

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

Simple is better?
I personally like the simplicity of the basic passport rudder because it is easy to adjust/fix in future.
If I wanted a drop down rudder and/or pedal drive reverse- I think the compass makes more sense money and time wise. (+rotomold resilience definite plus for compass)

That being said, I love the fact the passport gives you a little extra moneyroom to customize what's important to you, especially if you are handy.
Maybe post in passport forum for us passport fans?
Good luck and nice idea