New TI setup possible gudgeon defect

So I just took delivery of my shiny new '22 TI. Last night I began the process of cataloging all of the parts and checking for any shipping damage. When I attempted to assemble the rudder I noticed that it was impossible to get the rudder pin through the rudder assembly and gudgeon. Assuming this is in fact a manufacturing defect and not just a terribly designed part, how would I go about trying to get a replacement? Below I've included a youtube video and a photo showing and describing this problem.

https://youtu.be/9HLKEriyH6o

Is the rudder pin straight before insertion? Can't tell from the video.

It is. I also tried the spare the came with the boat.

Pretty clear it's a defect of the gudgeon. I think the place to start is with the dealer you bought if from.

Yea I'm going to call them up soon. My only issue is I'm in Puerto Rico, and while I'm a big fan of the dealer I purchased the boat from they don't move a lot of Hobie product and I know for a fact they don't carry any inventory of spare parts. So one way or another I'm waiting however long it takes to ship the part in order to be able to use the boat . Bit frustrating considering the lead time for delivery was some 15 months.

You could pass a drill through the gudgeon to make a straight shot for the pin... in the meantime.

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

Yea I'll give that a shot. Honestly just wasn't sure if I should mutilate the part until I sent pictures to the dealer.



Also upon closer inspection it seems like the misalignment is in the top portion of the gudgeon which has the two mounting points. If I drill it out should I be worried about the lack of material interacting with the rudder pin?

Looks like the midpoint in the gudgeon is the issue? You would be leaving the end holes intact... just enlarging the center hole a bit. No problem.

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

Well the picture might have been from the wrong side. The issue was the top hole and the middle hole. All that being said I took your advice and ran it through the drill press and I think the part is at least usable. Rigged it all up and it looks fine and seems a tight enough fit for the rudder pin. Some play in the rudder pin at the top since that hole did get a bit bigger.

Spoke with my dealer today and they should be reaching out today about a replacement. I'll report back if I have any issues on the water! Thanks for your help.

The rudder pins never snap in the middle - that's harmless. But get spare rudder pins.