Compass Rudder Damaged?

I bought a 2020 compass a couple of months ago and today was the third time I went out in it. I also went out in it 2 days ago. The control to turn the rudder was very easy to turn with an instant response 2 days ago. Today, the rudder was much harder to turn. Here are a few pictures of what it looked like after I came back today. I don't remember what it looked like before I took it out today but maybe it dragged in the sand when it was stored upright with one end in the sane and one end up on a wall, at an angle the other day. Can it be corrected? Thank you. https://photos.app.goo.gl/EarwVXoYnwT9SDd9A

Looks like it was resting on the rudder. Can you easily turn the rudder when out of the water? If not, you could have damaged the rudder shaft or something. If just the rudder shape... remove from the kayak, heat, and press flat with weights while cooling.

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

Thanks very much. I'll check turning the rudder tomorrow out of the water. Hopefully, it turns easily.

Turns out the strings contracted. My husband took it apart, all looked good inside the rudder assembly and decided to try the strings. That did there trick when he loosened them. It's just like before, easy turning motion and somehow the rudder blade straightened itself out. Thanks for your quick response.

Perfect!

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

It’s worth noting that high temps can cause expansion and make the steering feel “tighter.” I noticed this with my Compass after it had been sitting in the sun on a gravel bar while I was fishing.

Hull expansion due to sun exposure is the reason Hobie installed the rudder BOA on the 2014 PA-14's.
I own a 2013 PA-14 and retrofitted it with the BOA in 2014. I works very well and not difficult to install.
I also "relax" the internal rudder lines when storing the PA in my garage. That takes all/any tension off the internal pulleys.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR