looking for 1000lb spectra

Today, the down rudder line on my AI snapped, at which point I was rudderless. So, it looks like it's time to replace all of the rudder lines on both of my Hobie's. Hobie use 1000lb spectra on the AI, which by my measurement, is 2mm. Rather than order the pricey replacement kit from Hobie ($95, which includes pre-tied spectra line and some plastic guide tubes that I don't need to replace), I figure I can just buy the spectra, tie it myself, and save some moolah.

Does anybody know a local source for 1000lb spectra that is reasonably priced? It seems to be about $0.30/foot online:

https://bluetunaspearfishing.com/spectra-reel-line-500-725-1000lb-strength-per-foot.html

Is there any difference between different brands? Is there perhaps an alternative that might be better? Someone online recommended kevlar, but it's not as UV resistant, so I wouldn't use it in the areas that are exposed to sun.

I purchased just the line at Wind Toys in Santa Rosa. When re-tying I didn't go all the way to the steering handle but spliced in where I could easily reach then connected to rudder. Works fine. Have 30 feet coiled and stored in front hatch.

Mine snapped two weeks ago and all I needed to replace was about a small section from my rudder to the 1st loop. I still have about 6' leftover I got from CCK if you want (free) to try repairing it by just replacing a section of the up rudder line. I got a 12' length for like $6 from them.

Thanks for the replies. I do have a small amount of extra and might just splice it.

Since the boat has been sailed quite bit over 8+ seasons, I was thinking that it might be good to replace all of the lines. But, maybe it'll be sufficient just to inspect carefully and make sure there are no weak points...

Should replace rudder down line also.
That one use a lot of tension when pull tight.

I purchased just the line at Wind Toys in Santa Rosa.

I am going to Wind toys tomorrow for a click n go spring. Can check out the spectra situation and NCKA express it?

I purchased just the line at Wind Toys in Santa Rosa.

I am going to Wind toys tomorrow for a click n go spring. Can check out the spectra situation and NCKA express it?

Thanks for the offer, but it's not that urgent. I'm just going to do a temporary repair for now, with the intention of replacing all of the lines after I get my AI 2.0 up and running...

Amazon Dacron is cheap..

Amazon Dacron is cheap..

I believe that Dacron is less resistant to UV, larger diameter (for equivalent strength), and has more stretch, as compared to spectra. I ended up using 2.5mm amsteel, which is braided dyneema (same thing as spectra), and is rated at 1600 lbs. I got it at West Marine, and it’s reasonably priced.

One advantage to the thicker diameter is that I could secure it at the rudder without even tying it to the little stainless slotted springs. Instead, just a figure 8 knot was all that was needed, which made it super-easy to adjust the length. The only possible disadvantage is that amsteel tends to fray when cut and knots can sometimes slip (although the slippage seems to be an issue with larger diameter ropes). It was suggested to put a little goop on cut ends and knots, which I did. I don’t foresee any problems, but if any issues arise, I’ll post here.

Amazon Dacron is cheap..

I believe that Dacron is less resistant to UV, larger diameter (for equivalent strength), and has more stretch, as compared to spectra. I ended up using 2.5mm amsteel, which is braided dyneema (same thing as spectra), and is rated at 1600 lbs. I got it at West Marine, and it’s reasonably priced.

One advantage to the thicker diameter is that I could secure it at the rudder without even tying it to the little stainless slotted springs. Instead, just a figure 8 knot was all that was needed, which made it super-easy to adjust the length. The only possible disadvantage is that amsteel tends to fray when cut and knots can sometimes slip (although the slippage seems to be an issue with larger diameter ropes). It was suggested to put a little goop on cut ends and knots, which I did. I don’t foresee any problems, but if any issues arise, I’ll post here.

For the record, this amsteel stuff has worked flawlessly all summer, with no signs of wear. I'm now going to replace the left/right rudder control lines with it too.

Still haven't replaced my repaired up and down rudder lines, but the temp fixes haven't broke yet    Think it's time to do the same and replace them all.  One question on the larger rudder lines; they probably wont fit through the little caps on the rudder line tubes so wondering if more water intrusion might happen.  The larger diameter line might negate that though.

My rudder caps were cracked and broken when I replaced the rudder lines. Left them off. Never noticed any amount of water intrusion from that. Not much wave splash on the back rudder area anyway.

My rudder caps were cracked and broken when I replaced the rudder lines. Left them off. Never noticed any amount of water intrusion from that. Not much wave splash on the back rudder area anyway.

Sailing is a bit different, as there can be a lot more submarine action. But, I still suspect those little tube caps make no practical difference, even when sailing in rough conditions. When it comes to water intrusion, IMHO the hatches are by far the dominant concern...

Yeah, I've had that happen on my Hobie Sport and my Outback.  The first time a good friend came through with a gift of of enough to fix it on the Sport.  The 2nd time I went shopping for something at all the local stores in Eureka, CA.  After initially telling me on the phone they didn't have any in stock, when I went into the store at Pac Outfitters turns out they DID have it. So I bought extra, almost all they had.   I will tell you it's much easier to repair the up/down rudder lines on the larger kayaks, like the Outback, than on the little Hobie Sports.  I didn't buy the Hobie kit and used the same "tubes" that were originally installed. So far everything's working fine. Not any extra water coming in so far.  -- On the most recent trip (early this summer) when the down rudder cable snapped on the Outback, we were able to use an external bungee cable to keep the rudder down for that day.  It was not the best option but it saved the day.

Still haven't replaced my repaired up and down rudder lines, but the temp fixes haven't broke yet    Think it's time to do the same and replace them all.  One question on the larger rudder lines; they probably wont fit through the little caps on the rudder line tubes so wondering if more water intrusion might happen.  The larger diameter line might negate that though.

Down rudder line snapped this weekend on me after getting snagged in some kelp (forgot to uncleat the down line) So be doing that repair of the repairs sooner than I thought.