Trouble with my 2013 PA 14 rudder - seized up

The rudder on my PA 14 seized up - apparently the long brass nut and the stainless steel rod that should turn fairly easily within the brass nut became too tight or something. They aren't completely welded together, because I can turn the rudder if the brass nut is in a vise, but on the boat it won't budge.

I've removed the whole rudder assembly and brought it in to my dealer to have a look. He took some photos and said he was submitting it to Hobie as a warranty claim, but I'm having difficulty now getting any update on the status of that claim. Thus I am suffering through prime fishing season here in southwest Florida without my boat!

Any idea how long Hobie typically takes to answer a claim? Or am I getting brushed off by the dealer? This is the first trouble I've had with the boat so I don't really know how these things proceed, although my impression from this forum is that Hobie is typically very responsive normally.

Thanks,
Beth

Not long. Usually reviewed in a day or two at most and parts could be shipped that day. This is a known issue and a simple fix.

If it has been more than a couple weeks, contact your dealer to check on status.

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

So this is a common issue......my boat is just sitting around for winter....hardly had it out this year and the warranty expires on it in a couple of months.

Anything I should look for?

Is there any preventative care recommended to prevent this? I'm in a salt water environment. Does this cause the problem? Marine grease recommended?

Lubrication.

A small amount of corrosion can seize the rudder shaft in the brass column.

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

not JUST lube, flush and wash as much as possible with fresh water, ... every time you come out of the water... mirage drive, too, then douse with silicone spray....

thanks for the direction.

Saltwater electrolysis will actually weld the stainless steel rod and the brass. Hobie is aware and has made changes.

Use it more often!

_________________
Richard Laughlin
Lafayette, LA

Finally Retired, Fish Beware!

2013 Hobie Pro Angler 14
2012 Hobie Pro Angler 12
2001 Hobie Hank Parker Edition Outback

To be specific... we added lubrication. That is enough to stop the process.

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