dosjers wrote:
After the first time I used my new rudder the steering lines were loose and needed to be tightened. I expected this because everything needed to tighten up and get seated.
The second time out the steering lines loosened up again which I didn't expect. Has anyone had a problem with this? They loosen up enough that I have significand play in my steering. I tightened the adjustment screws and tied the ends so I don't think the play is coming from the ends at the rudder.
Herb went out with the new rudder on his AI and it worked OK most of the day, but he had to go in early because the steering line got all loose and wobbly. Too much play. The dealer installed the rudder upgrade kit. At the end of the day when I inspected it, the screws were all tight but the left/right lines were loose. Hard to attribute this to line stretch, not sure what would cause the problem.
I have a 09 AI so I have the working/original version of the Twist 'n Stow. So, I can't even use the new rudder upgrade. Currently quite happy with how my rudder works.
My observation of the new upgrade. The rudder lines now impede the rear hatch access. That would bother me because I place the Torquedo battery in through the rear hatch. I also observed that the up line now also needs to be cleated in order to hold the rudder up. A harkin type cleat like the one used on the down line would be preferable to the cheap pinch clamp that Hobie decided to use.
The dealer that did the installation made the comment that the rudder upgrade is a "temporary solution". Not sure what to read into that comment other than maybe Hobie is still making improvements.
One has to believe that a factory installed rudder on the newest Islands don't suffer from lines impeding the rear AI hatch. Correct tube lengths used and no "tie on" patches like what is being done on the upgrades in the field. Also, one would think a bungee web might at some point get used to pull the up line back into the hull once the rudder is raised.
Don't get me wrong. Rudder sure looked solid and was much thicker than the original rudders. TI and AI owners that had the stern bolted version of the T-n-S and had to use the bungie hold down for sailing I'm sure are glad to have the new setup.