Thoughts on the Large Rudder Kit??

Are these just for older boats? If I buy a 2017 PA14 can I upgrade the rudder or does it already have the large rudder? Is it worth it? I don't mind if it hangs down a bit.

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2017 PA14 Dune
Lake St. Clair
St. Clair Flatts
St. Clair River and Channels
3x Michigan Master Angler Awards

Since the 2017 PA14 has the tracking skeg, I don't know why you would need the larger rudder.

I have a 2013 PA14 and added the larger rudder since I down rig fish most of the time......tracking was not bad with the standard rudder, but I decided to try the larger rudder.
The large rudder did make a small tracking improvement.

When down rig fishing on my old 2010 Outback, the tracking was terrible until I installed the larger/sailing rudder.
The larger rudder made the Outback track like a dream!

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

You can upgrade to a larger rudder, but it doesn't fit all the way up inside the molded in recess that houses the rudder when it's in the up position. The PA's turn very well with the stock rudder, and have improved tracking/stability with the skeg deployed over the older models.

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

The larger rudder is a necessity for sailing. Ask me how I know. The standard rudder will become ineffective when the kayak leans with the sail. I could hear the standard rudder coming out of the water and I had no rudder authority. The longer rudder stays in the water and provides directional control under sail. As stated, it does not fit completely in the recessed area that the standard rudder sits in, so you must be careful with ground handling if you use the larger rudder.

Greg

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2014 PA14 me
2017 Outback wife