Rudder tuning issues

I have a ‘21 Outback and I constantly struggle with the rudder tuning. I tune the rudder such that there’s little to no slack in the steering knobs, but (I think) the plastic expansion from the heat is pulling the strings and undoing all my work.
I store my yak outdoor and after a hot day chills down my rudder has an unreasonable slack, like being fully unstable in the water amount of slack (ask me how I know).
I resolved to keep the screws on the rear steering drum completely loose and I adjust the tension the night before going out, this way the yak stays tuned and cool until I hit the water.
I’m curious to know if you experience this as well and what are your solutions.

How much temperature change?

In my experience, heat can have an effect on the tightness of the steering on a Hobie Adventure or AI, but I have never had it be so bad that it is impossible to turn (or too slack to control the rudder). The AI is 16’ vs 12’ 9”’for Outback, so it should be less of a problem on the Outback.

I can’t think of what might cause such a problem, unless maybe the temperature change is really extreme.

I had the same issue with my revo at GSXIX I ended up paddling on the way back to the launch. Had too much slack that I could not turn the rudder the other side. Got the Revo in 2020 so it’s probably the line stretching after all the years of being pulled since. I also noticed the rudder was a bit tight when turned manually so I pulled out rudder mast which was difficult due to probably some sand and salt residue stuck in the hole. Cleaned rudder mast and holes, cleaned rudder control as well then place rudder in neutral and re-tightened lines. Rudder turns feel smooth now.

Ok, I should clarify that I could still steer the rudder, but unless I gripped the knob there was no tension at all so the boat would steer one way or the other as soon as I let it go. I live in Santa Clara, so temperature swings of 30 degrees are not uncommon.

I’ve had the same issue on mine since new (2019 mode bought in 2018) and on Sam’s (2020 model).

A long time ago I wanted to try a fix I found on YouTube but Hobie was back ordered on the parts. Basically it shows using the rudder adjustment boa from a pro angler on the outback.

https://youtu.be/Bted1D1brXU?si=M_7Nt0zfvF_wXKqT

That’s a pretty nice mod. I once tightened mine up when it was getting slack, only to have to loosen it up again when it got too tight in warmer weather. I also had steering issues at GS but I think it was the weather-vaning from the wind catching my upright net.

It’s sort of a relief that it’s a common problem and not a sign that something is wrong with my yak 

... it shows using the rudder adjustment boa from a pro angler on the outback.

https://youtu.be/Bted1D1brXU?si=M_7Nt0zfvF_wXKqT

That's pretty cool, but I wonder why it would be needed on some Hobies and not others...

I don't have a Hobie, but sometimes my rudder turns on it's own if I'm not holding the handle, mostly when at an angle to wind or current. There isn't much resistance in the system on mine, so not much to hold it in place when an opposing force pushes it. I've thought about rigging some sort of spring system to create a self centering force on my rudder, but usually when I want to go straight, the rudder isn't necessarily straight, because of earlier mentioned wind and current. Course made good, and whatnot.

Maybe you could introduce a small turnbuckle or similar device to take up slack in the cable?