How to Install a Kayak Rudder Kit

A rudder on a kayak is used to aide in tracking. Used properly, a rudder will improve the efficiency and enjoyment of paddling by reducing or eliminating the need to make course-correcting strokes. There are times like paddling in strong currents or when carrying a heavy load that the use of a rudder can assist in turning a kayak.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drill and sharp (new) bits.
• Wrenches
• Screwdrivers
• Sharp knife
• Soldering iron
• Marking pen
• Crimping tool
• Punch
• Marine sealant
• Rudder kit with instructions

Preparations

1. Read the instructions thoroughly so you are familiar with the kit before you start.

2. Put the kayak on saw horses, work bench or table and block it up so it will not rock as you are working on it.

3. Cut the tubing for the cable, if it came as one piece, in half by cutting at a 45 degree angle to make it easier to push through the holes. If it came as two pieces, cut a little off one end of each piece at a 45 degree angle.

4. Use the soldering iron on the flat uncut ends only of the tubing. Heat until you get a nice bevel. Let it cool. The kit may say to use a lighter; this can make the tubing weak where it needs to be strongest.

Install the rudder control cables.

5. Mark the holes for the rudder base using the punch to keep the drill bit from walking on the plastic.

6. Drill the holes and mount the rudder base, applying a little marine sealant around the holes.

7. Mark and drill all the holes for the cable tubing using the punch. The locations will depend on the model of kayak and rudder kit you have.

8. Feed the tubing through the holes angled-end first so the tubing is inside the kayak. Apply a little marine sealant to the outside of the tube to get a good waterproof seal. Do not get any sealant inside the tubing.

Attaching the control cables

9. Feed the control cables through the tubing.

10. Attach the cables to the rudder according to the kit's instructions.

11. Replace the foot pegs and track with the foot pegs and track that came with the kit.

12. Feed the starboard cable through the starboard foot peg.

13. Grasp the starboard cable and pull it until the rudder is all the way over to the starboard side and mark this with the marking pen for reference in case you have to make adjustments to the cable.

14. Attach the cable to the starboard foot peg according to the kit's instructions. Do the same for the port side.

Install the rudder retracting rope

15. Locate an easy-to-reach place for the rudder retracting rope and mark it with the marking pen. Do not drill yet, you may have to move it.

16. Attach the retracting rope to the rudder according to the kit's instructions.

17. Run the retracting rope along the rear deck to the location you marked. Make sure no deck hardware such as hatches or deck bungees will interfere with the rope and that the rope will not interfere with the use of them.

18. Mark the final location of the retracting rope with the punch.

19. Drill holes and apply a bit of marine sealant. Attach the cleat for the retracting rope.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a new drill bit will prevent the bit from wobbling that would enlarge the holes, increasing the chance of a leak. Use the knife to clean up any burs caused by drilling. If the rudder kit's foot peg track does not line up with the screws in your kayak, try using a round file to elongate the holes in the track before you drill new holes in your kayak. If mounting on a sit-on-top kayak, run the cable tubes so they are outside the scupper tubes. You may want to mark the cable control tubes as port and starboard before you install them.

References

• Kayaking Made Easy, 2nd edition; Dennis Stuhaug, The Globe Pequot Press; 1998
• The Essential Sea Kayaker 2nd edition; David Seidman, Ragged Mountain Press; 2000

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