Surfski Knowledge Base

Clicking Noise What Steering
Peter Rodgers
9/26/2023
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Hi brains trust. I have a V6 and one of my pedals has become floppy (for want of a better word). It also makes a clicking noise inside the hull when I press down on it, so I suspect something is loose. However it still moves the rudder. I'm in Australia. Thanks in advance.

• Marty Yates Wire or rope cables?
  • Peter Rodgers Author Marty Yates rope
    • Marty Yates Peter Rodgers I’d hazard a guess that the rope has chafed and is only the inner core left. It’s a pretty easy fix. Get the thinnest spectra or dyneema (best as less stretch) and replace.
• Troy Andrew Peter Rodgers how old is the ski and who did you buy it from ?
  • Peter Rodgers Author Troy Andrew About 8 years old with very little use and bought second hand
    • Troy Andrew ok so advise to go to a dealer isn’t going to work .What location are you in ?
• Kan Waranon May be the fixed end of cable rudder tube is not in place, seperated from the stopper. Then the tube is slack and movable whenever the rudder pedal is operated. If my assumption was correct, the water will gradually leak into the boat as well.

• * Peter Rodgers Thanks I'll check that but the rattle noise is not coming from the back but forward of the rear compartment bulkhead.
  • Kan Waranon Peter Rodgers Another damage may be found in old skis. This also allows the water leakage. It needs to be replaced that is tricky job. Better have it done by experienced people.

• Kimberly Riggle I once had the little white plastic piece that adjusts line tension located forward of the pedals come loose, might be something to check if you haven't already. Hope you figure it out.
  • Peter Rodgers Author Kimberly Riggle Thanks tried that but didn't fix the problem
• Mal Stubbs Sounds like the orange tube that the rudder line runs through has rotted. This is a common issue - the tube splits releases tension on the rudder line and bangs against the side of the hull. Not an easy fix - my V6 and my mates is the same as yours and are also about 8 years old. We have replaced the uphall tube which when rotten allows water into the rear hatch. Look inside the back hatch on the underside of the hull at the orange tubes and see if they are rotten
• Erik Ladd The clicking is likely caused by the inner tube (that the rudder line runs through) being loose. I had an older V8 that had this issue. Overtime the adhesive that holds the tube in place can degrade or get knocked loose. It puts a little weight on the line thus the floppy pedal. It’s usually just an audible issue and shouldn’t impact the structural or functional integrity of the boat.