Hi Guys,
I have a PA 14 that was purchased after the issue of re-routing the skeg line was resolved. However, I'm having trouble with the skeg dropping down correctly when in use. I estimate that over the almost 2 years I have had the kayak that I've only deployed the skeg about 6 times.
I've removed the skeg, lubricated it and checked for easy running of the pulley etc. I've also checked the line where it runs through the area of the rudder mechanism. The nylon guide/grommet is half worn through..... I will need to replace this but it doesn't appear to be the problem.
The problem seems to be that there is not enough tension to pull the line from the skeg cleat end to the rudder assembly area. For the skeg to drop down I need to manually feed the skeg line back through the cleat that locks it near the skeg handle. I've discovered that there is a bungee cord tensioner that looks like it is supposed to do this but is not. Most likely it has lost some of its retraction qualities.
My question is..... how do I replace this bungee cord? Is there a skeg line diagram like the rudder line diagram on the Hobie website that I can refer to? I strained to make another knot in the existing bungee cord to effectively shorten it but it didn't seem to have improved the situation. I'd like to know if there is an easy way to replace the bungee cord. Thanks.
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