Steve,
I had the same problem with one of my AI's, the other one was fine. After many adjustments that didn't help, my dealer asked Hobie to replace it. The new one works great now.
Hobie is aware of the rudder lockdown problems, and is working on a newer rudder design for the AI.
The Balanced rudder is great, but wait for Hobies. I modified 2 rudders, and both broke here in Maul's wind and waves very quickly. The 4 bolts are not enough to hold it, and when it breaks it takes part of the rudder assembly with it... to the bottom.
I found a stainless steel pin at Lowes that works well, but I wouldn't use it regularly as I have broke a few rudder pins and in a bad launch or landing a $2.50 pin is preferred to ~$100 and 10-14 days for a new rudder and assembly.
We're over in Kihei, where are you sailing out of?
Aloha,
Kayaking Bob
steve matecki wrote:
I love my two adventure islands- the only frustration I have is with the rudder on one of them- i can't get the screw to hold it down in heavy winds this is after all kinds of adjustments- I am considering doing the modification that roadrunner suggests and am wondering if doing this along with putting a pin or metal stainless bolt through it will solve the problem. I sail these in heavy trade winds 15-20 in maui and need a real good long term fix. Also if anone is looking at buying one in maui the guys at valley island marine have been great.