Hobie Forums
http://www.hobie.com/forums/

Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=31483
Page 1 of 2

Author:  mmiller [ Fri Sep 10, 2010 5:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

Tandem Island Rudder Update
By Doug Skidmore
President, Hobie Cat Company

Over the past few weeks we have been reviewing corrective measures for Hobie Tandem Islands experiencing rudder problems. Some users have had the rudder kick up making steering difficult; others have experienced loose gudgeon screws, and some have had worn or broken steering lines.

Though we don’t like hearing about these types of issues on any of our products, we appreciate the honest feedback from our dealers, consumers, and those users that post on our forums so we can better understand the situation and react appropriately.

This notice is to inform you that we are going to resolve these issues immediately and what to further expect from us in the coming weeks and months.

Read the complete statement: http://www.hobiecat.com/support/articles/tandem-island-rudder-update

Instructions: http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=32375

Author:  captain-max [ Fri Sep 10, 2010 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

Thanks Matt, Doug and the Hobie team! 8)

Author:  TxYackMan [ Fri Sep 10, 2010 6:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

Agree. Thanks Hobie Team - look forward to both solutions.

Author:  whosyerbob [ Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

Excellent work, gentlemen. With this issue resolved the TI will be the premier example in this segment. I look forward to both solutions.

Author:  angusisthedevil [ Sat Sep 11, 2010 1:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

I have not got my TI yet and waiting for it but.....

it is good to see a company stand behind its product and acknowledge a fault and responsibility..... this rarely happens anymore. Well done. I can accept new designs etc have problems and when you make something unique and different (censored) happens. And you get back to your customers to let them know! I think I will order a second boat for my wife!

If Microsoft were building TI's I expect that they would have sunk before they left the harbour, Microsoft would deny any issue, but you can get an upgrade to the latest version for only $600 that also sinks/crashes before you get off the boat ramp.

Hobie...ever thought of writing operating systems for PC's???

Author:  ReefWraith [ Sat Sep 11, 2010 5:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

I'm very pleased to see that once again Hobie is standing firmly behind their product. Just like the AI, it took a bit of 'trial and error' to get everything working well but just look what all this innovation gets us... an exciting new TI! Thanks Hobie! 8)

Author:  drgatsea [ Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

Thanks Doug, thanks Matt, thanks Hobie. Can't wait for the fixes to arrive.

As stated before by many others, there are few companies as responsive and supportive as Hobie. Thanks again for listening and working to make it right. You guys are the best!

Author:  Honu [ Sat Sep 11, 2010 5:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

AWESOME !
So this is the product support I have been reading about for a long time.
My confidence in Hobie products has just gone back up to 100%.

Author:  captain-max [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

Link to this response added to the Hobie Island Checklist

Author:  DogsLife [ Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

I will be doing the Watertribe Everglades Challenge in March. I find the current rudder fix not a real solution. Here on the Chesapeake you can run into shallows very easily. Sailing down wind with full sail this can be dangerous. I recently ran aground with tide and wind behind me. Hanging over the stern trying to release the bungee while the boat is being pushed sideways was very hairy.

Will the be a new rudder available by March??? Florida Bay has same challenges.

I strongly believe that the new rudder needs to flip up down the centerline. The current side flip design is too complex prone to easy damage.

Paul...

Author:  mmiller [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

Quote:
I strongly believe that the new rudder needs to flip up down the centerline.


Yes... will flip straight aft / up.

May not be readily available by March.

Contact Jim Czarnowski (fellow water tribe member)... maybe he can use you for some of the rudder testing.

Author:  mickeymouse [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 2:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

mmiller wrote:
Quote:
I strongly believe that the new rudder needs to flip up down the centerline.


Yes... will flip straight aft / up.

May not be readily available by March.

Contact Jim Czarnowski (fellow water tribe member)... maybe he can use you for some of the rudder testing.


Matt - am I right in believing that this new rudder will replace the current rudder on all TIs and 2011 AIs at no charge?

Author:  mmiller [ Mon Jan 17, 2011 3:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

That is correct.

As per the official notice:

Quote:
Long-term solution

For the long-term, we are developing a completely new rudder system specifically designed for the Tandem Island and Adventure Island. The new rudder system will be fully functional without the short-term additions provided in the retrofit kit. Our engineers have already begun testing several new systems, and we anticipate finishing the process in the coming months. Once the new system is available, it will be provided to all 2010 and 2011 Tandem Island owners to replace the existing Twist and Stow rudder system.

Author:  mickeymouse [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

Matt - sorry to bang on but the official notice refers to TIs without actually mentioning AIs. Given that the 2011 AI has the same temporary rudder fix can I assume that they too will get the completely new rudder system :roll: :roll:

Author:  mmiller [ Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Tandem Island Rudder Update By Doug Skidmore

The statement I quoted from is specific to the TI, but yes... the 2011 AI is included in the rudder replacement deal.

Page 1 of 2 All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/