How to Make Your Own Kayak Rudder
A kayak is fun and reflects the individual personality of the owner. So, when you decide to make a rudder, why not create one that reflects the true spirit of the sport? You can build your own high quality rudder that will not degrade or corrode in salt water, and will look as sharp as your own boat. It can be built from plywood and a covering or fiberglass. It's light and efficient.
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Instructions
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Design
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1
Design a rudder pattern that meets your needs. A simple, small rudder that is about five inches wide at the most and a foot long is plenty for most recreational kayaks.
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2
Draw the pattern on a sheet of 1/4" plywood.
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3
Cut the shape out of the plywood using a jig saw, and then sand it down until the front and rear edges are sharp, like a blade. Leave the top front and back side as is; just round them out with the sander.
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4
Cut strips of fiberglass to cover the entire outside of the plywood, front and back.
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5
Set the plywood in a vise, inserting just the end of the top into the vice itself.
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6
Lay the fiberglass over the plywood to ensure you have cut enough strips to cover the entire thing. Then mix your resin and hardener in a small bowl or tin.
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7
Now, apply the fiberglass and resin to the plywood form, coating it generously so the fiberglass sticks to the plywood. Allow it to dry and harden. Remove the rudder from the vice, and then reinsert it in the vice so you can fiberglass the other end. Let dry.
Sanding and Painting
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8
Once dry, sand the rudder with a 120 grit sheet of sandpaper until smooth.
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9
Prime the rudder with a light coat of marine base paint.
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10
Apply a top coat of gel coat or marine paint to complete your rudder.
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