Rudder turns fine one way, hard the other
80%+ of "rudder works one way, hard the other" reports are a DIY fix — some rudders shipped with the steering cord double-wrapped around the locking bolt inside the collar instead of single-wrapped. Pull the cord back through the collar, unwrap one loop, re-thread, you're good. If that doesn't fix it, it's the steering-handle cable-slack issue and we'll ship a replacement.
Ah gotcha — this one's almost always a quick DIY fix. Some of the rudders shipped with the steering cord double-wrapped around the locking bolt inside the rudder collar instead of being looped once. The extra wrap creates uneven friction, which is why one direction pulls smoothly and the other binds.
Try the fix below first — it takes about 60 seconds. If it doesn't resolve it, then it's the steering-handle cable-slack issue (different defect) and we'll ship a replacement.
Before you start — check the cable for broken strands. The DIY fix only works if the cable is still intact. If you can already see frayed strands, fuzz, or anything that looks like the braided cable is starting to come apart, stop and file a claim instead. The fix below won't save a cable that's already started to go, and forcing the handle to test it can finish the cable off. See Steering handle: cable binding, fraying, or seizing for that path.
The fix — pull, unwrap once, re-thread
- Pull the rudder cord back through the collar — feed it out of the foot-steering port.
- Unwrap one loop from the locking bolt inside the collar. The cord should be wrapped around the bolt exactly once, not twice.
- Re-thread the cord back through the collar port.
- Tighten the locking bolt to lock the cord in place.
Test the steering. It should now turn smoothly and evenly in both directions.
The Traverse Rudder System Assembly Manual shows the correct one-wrap setup on Step 4 — see Traverse Rudder System manual for the full reference.
If the DIY fix doesn't resolve it
If the steering still binds in one direction after re-threading with a single wrap, you've got the steering-handle cable-slack issue instead. That's a real defect from a small early-production batch — extra slack inside the handle housing causes the cables to bind internally. Different mechanism, different fix.
In that case, file the Claims Form and we'll ship a replacement handle direct. Include:
- Your HIN
- Shipping address
- A short video showing the bind (smooth one way, stiff the other)
- The dealer you purchased from, if applicable
Replacement handles typically ship within a few business days.
Why the two issues look the same at first
Both produce the same symptom — works fine one way, fights you the other. The difference:
- Double-wrap on the collar bolt — fix yourself in 60 seconds, no parts needed
- Cable slack inside the handle housing — needs a replacement handle from us
The DIY fix is fast enough to be worth trying first before filing anything.
In the meantime — if you have to be on the water
If you've got an outing booked and the DIY fix doesn't immediately resolve it:
- Don't force the handle through the bind direction — that can fray the cable inside the housing.
- Pull-cord the rudder up out of the water and steer with the foot pedals only.
- Then file the claims form when you're off the water.
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