tonystott wrote:
I believe you might need to add plan "D" as well. Some time ago I needed towing back to shore after being blown over 5 miles out to see following a rudder line failure (100kg breaking strain Dyeema!). I could sail fine on port tack using the paddle as a rudder, but my TI was uncontrollable on starboard tack.
Today I experimented by lifting the rudder, and when I pedalled, the TI went immediately into sharp anti-clockwise circles. I had measured distances between amas & hull etc, and everything was all square, so I can only assume my hull is itself not straight.
I an therefore adding external rudder lines as my plan "D", so I can continue to steer with the rudder even if one of the internal steering lines breaks or otherwise becomes ineffective.
Photo goodness will follow!
All Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks will turn sharply, or even in a circle, if you retract the rudder and attempt to paddle or pedal them in such fashion. Paddling you can keep them straight with the correct stroke, but you'll have to work at it. In order to make the rudder effective there is very little keel depth, thus once the rudder is retracted the boat has very little lateral stability.