Easy rudder deployment hack with paddle

Disclaimer: possible structural integrity issues (but I don't think so)

Didn't seem like a big deal to me to manually deploy rudder while I was launching, but I kept forgetting until already in deeper water so did this paddle adjustment and it works great

Borrowed a dremmel and cut a tiny (just under 1/2" deep and less than 1/8" wide) notch on far top edge of paddle blade. Took about 30 seconds and since it slightly melts the plastic no need for sanding (looks original). It is just opposite the hobie "e" (if you were adding letters onto hobie) on blade logo and angled 45 degrees toward "e"on the right blade. (imagine the opposite angle (pushing with paddle) that some fishing paddles use to grab a line (pulling)). Works to hook and push rudder edge out with the blade while in the seat on first try every time. I don't use my paddle a ton, but did not notice any problems paddling in water. It does flex a tad if you manually put pressure on it, but can't imagine it being a problem as the notch is not much bigger than a nasty gash. Haven't used a lot, so it may catch some grass in future or could be a potential problem if I needed to do a lot of paddling.

Overall it is definitely worth it for me - much less of a hassle than trying to do with paddle as is. Hopefully can take some hassle away for someone else with this quick hack, but weigh the pros and cons so you don't ruin your paddle.

hi, i have attached a cable tie through the hole at the top of the rudder where the "bungee" cord goes through , and tightened it until it makes about a 50mm ring , this makes it easy when i use a metre long alum pole which has a hook attached to just hook onto cable tie ring to either lift or lower , unsure how to attach an image , hope i have explained what works for me , cheers john (Aust)

hi, i have attached a cable tie through the hole at the top of the rudder where the "bungee" cord goes through , and tightened it until it makes about a 50mm ring , this makes it easy when i use a metre long alum pole which has a hook attached to just hook onto cable tie ring to either lift or lower , unsure how to attach an image , hope i have explained what works for me , cheers john (Aust)

Thats a great idea. I have realized my hack wouldn't work for yakkers with a bunch of stuff in the back, so maybe this might be a solution for the serious fishers.