Servicing Hobie rudder?

[Drake]

My rudder has a weird feel to it. It's just not smooth. It is very very stiff, and it feels like its getting caught up on something when I try to turn it. Is this something a simple greasing can fix, or something I might need to have looked out by a pro?

Another thing I noticed, is that if it's pointed all the way left or right and I peddle, it just goes forward. I have to center it and then put it back to the side to get a response. It also makes a noice like a clunk almost. Went out with another guy who has a PA and his doesn't do the same thing.

[Iceman]

start by popping the rudder access and see if something is binding or out of place there.

http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/images/stories/Kayak_Photos/hobie_mirage_proangler_stern_anno.jpg

[jorluivil]

Speaking of rudders.......while fishing at DP Saturday I noticed that mine had some up/down play on it, it felt weird. When I got home I made a phone call and was told to remove the sticker that covers the screw that holds the handle in place and tighten the bolt using an allen wrench. I'm glad I checked immediately because I was able to give it at least one full turn before it actually felt like it was starting to tighten up. I would have hated for the handle to come off at the worst possible time.

[mtnbykr2]

Speaking of rudders.......while fishing at DP Saturday I noticed that mine had some up/down play on it, it felt weird. When I got home I made a phone call and was told to remove the sticker that covers the screw that holds the handle in place and tighten the bolt using an allen wrench. I'm glad I checked immediately because I was able to give it at least one full turn before it actually felt like it was starting to tighten up. I would have hated for the handle to come off at the worst possible time.
Happend to me about 4 miles from a launch and let me tell you it isn't fun
to steer a Hobie without a rudder, the lesson here is IMO check your equipment every so often, I check bolts and fasteners, drive and rudder operation the night before I leave, or sooner, cause there is nothin like paddling a tupperware bowl for a few miles...lol