Looking for advice/info on aligning the rudders on my Hobie 16. I've heard about toe-out and toe-in, but having them parallel sounds best to me. Does anyone know what the distance between rudders should be, front edge vs trailing edge?

Hello,
Check the tips on this website. They discuss rudders and other items.
http://www.hobiecat.asn.au/qld/tips/tuningtips1.html
Jack

Curt,

I also discuss the alignment in the Updated Hobie 14 Tuning Guide found on this list. The same applys to the Hobie 16. The reason behind a small bit of toe in is the water pressure wants to deflect the rudders outward making them brakes if they are even to begin with. The slight bit of toe in creats the parallel alignment you refer to when you are moving forward.

Hope this helps and have fun!!

Bob Curry

Curt,
it depends on the rudders you use!
In general I agree with Bob, however if you have stiff rudders you may sail them extremly foward balanced and parallel. If you have the bendable rudders, you have to toe in and kick up the windward rudder, this reduces spin outs. By the way, see www.hobiefleet32.org! We will organize a training seminar which will cover all of this.

Fritz