Problem with my outback

[Backwater]

Im having a bit of a wierd issue with my OB. It seems to want to pull fairly strong to the left. I have to compensate by steering a bit to the right. I thought the rudder might just need adjusting but if you pull the rudder up and pedal it literally spins tight circles to the left. Im thinkinh the drive needs to be adjusted as if one of the pedals ia getting more torque then the other. Can anyone here shed some light on this?

[Pinch]

What year is it. Hobie produced a small run of kayaks in a lopsided mold. This threw off the center line and may cause problems like you are experiencing. Call backyard boats with your serial number.

[CB kayak 02]

Try to make sure the tension on each fin is the same. but I don't think it should pull to one side or the other.

[Rockchaser]

Is this a new problem or has it been doing it from day 1?

[tufnik]

I'm assuming you have a later model because I don't know what the earlier models look like.

Since the pull is without the rudder submerged, we can say the problem may be in the drive or the hull shape (offset lines?). I doubt a defective (slight offset in mold) hull would cause such a dramatic pull. It sounds like a drive issue to me. On the other hand, my Outback does not track straight as I pedal without the rudder down. It pulls to either side.

Anyway, let's say the drive is off. Are you using turbo fins? Assuming the rods aren't bent, the imbalance of forces from the flaps may be causing the turn. The force imbalance may be caused by the uneven tension of the flaps as controlled by the knobs. Is the flap tension the same? The tension knob is the brass knob that allows you to hand tighten or loosen the tautness of the rear trailing edge of the flap. Each flap has this knob.

Also, did you check the traverse arc or distance traveled per stroke? The traverse should be the same. If different, you need to tighten the nylon nuts on the tension cables so that you have equal traverse on each flap. There are six nuts. Two to adjust the front flap. Two to adjust the rear flap. And two to adjust coupling and synchronization of both flaps and pedals. The nuts need to be adjusted to get the right tension, synchronization and traverse.

When you hang the drive vertically up with your hand, are the flaps perfectly vertical and aligned? The pedals should also be aligned when the flaps are aligned.

[ictalurus]

Every Outback hull I had (4, I think) pulled hard to one side or the other when the rudder was up, but it was usually OK when the rudder was down. I think it is just the nature of the hull. My Revo does it, too.

Make sure the rudder is centered when the rudder control is centered. When I say the rudder control is centered, I mean centered in the midpoint of the arc. It won't be pointing forward. Check that both rudder cables are tight when the rudder and the rudder control are centered. Sometimes one side works a bit loose, so the rudder won't respond to movements in that direction as well. Also, make sure both pedal arms are in the same numbered hole. Pinch is probably right, though, if you're having trouble with the rudder down.

[ronaultmtd]

Without using a rudder my 2010 Outback is a pig to paddle and doesn't track worth a darn...that said I still love this boat and wouldn't trade it- I have the optional larger sail rudder and that makes a lot of difference- also I had Backyard Boats in Woodbridge adjust everything on my Mirage Drive when I bought it- as well as purchased a few spare plastic rudder pins from them- just in case-

[tufnik]

That's another thing. When the rudder control lever is pointing straight ahead (when it' parallel with the yak), have you verified that the rudder is in fact straight as well?

Do you have the sailing rudder? One thing I noticed when I switched from the standard to sailing rudder is the sensitivity. The sailing rudder is very responsive. If the rudder is only a few degrees off center, the yak will turn fairly well. There's slop in the rudder system too, not to mention the small water forces hitting the rudder, and so the yak will easily turn at the slightest degree change. It's not easy to track straight with the sailing rudder in my Outback. In fact, I find I have to pretty constantly be on the rudder control lever to keep the yak tracking straight. That rudder is too sensitive for straight line tracking, but it's just right for manuvering around pilings.

You have to figure out if the problem is in the rudder system, the drive system or there is no problem (pulls are "normal" for that yak).

[Southerly]

does it always want to turn towards north? if yes, it may have become magnetized somehow.

or it could be the coreolis effect from earth spinning. google 'right hand rule' to figure out what to do.

i've only heard of a few cases but i just hope it's not the other thing. you know,..., possesed by demon spirit. if yes, consider exorcist. and good luck.

[Southerly]

you might remove the drive, pAddle it, then coast to see if it goes straight. if yes; drive is the problem.

[Greg SS396]

Backwater, if it is not the rudder and not the drive, maybe you are sitting a little to the left and causing more drag on that side. Try taking a level with you the next time you go out, process of elimination.

[Backwater]

Just an update. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet but im gonna fool with it while its still on my truck. Went out today and still the same deal, I have to steer slightly to the one side to keep it on track, If I pull the rudder it immediately starts to spin hard left. Thanks for the suggestions I'll put up a post if I figure out whats going on. Another thing I noticed is my scupper holes in the back of the kayak are very different shapes. One is round like you would expect and one is an oval shape which doesn't allow the standard hobie plug to push all the way down.

[Rockchaser]

Is it still under warranty?

[Backwater]

Is it still under warranty?

yep bought it in march

[tufnik]

yep bought it in march

Might be easier to just swing by the shop and have them check it out.