Mirage Eclipse Rudder Not Returning to Center

Hello,

I rented an Eclipse this week to check it out because I am considering buying one. It was fun and a great conversation starter with the people I passed but one thing that was frustrating is that the rudder did not return to center after the handlebar cable was released. I had to keep looking behind me and gently squeeze the opposite handlebar cable until the rudder was in the center again. All the constant correcting took a bit of the fun out of the adventure. It this a common issue with the Mirage Eclipse? And is there an easy way to remedy it permanently (or for quite a while, at least) so that constant fussing with the rudder positioning is not required?

Thanks

There is a shock cord system in the rudder assembly to pull the rudder to center. This may have been damaged or assembled incorrectly. The rudder should center on its own.

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

The Loop is pulled through and looped over a small hook on the underside.

https://static.hobiecat.com/web_uploads ... Bungee.mov

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

Thank you, Matt.

When I steer my Mirage Rudder, there is a lot of tension it seems to me. I have a brand new handlebar setup, and I have taken the rudder assembly out and there is no sand or issues in it. Any ideas why it seem so hard to turn the board? Could it be sand or something in the strings that lead from the base of the handlebars to the rudder, or any other reasons it feels hard to turn? I worry that the steering cables may fail soon... how much tension should there be (it returns to center and i tool the screw for SUP out).

Thanks!!

The control lines may be too tight or there could be a twist in the lines inside the handlebar?

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