[Paddlewise] Kayak Maintenance

  Last night as I was looking over my Ascente I noticed that one of the
two mounting screws that hold the rudder assembly onto the stern of the
kayak was a little bit loose.  I paddle this boat with the rudder locked
in its UP position most of the time so that I derive some benefit from
being able to push against the foot pedals.  I can only surmise that the
rudder still receives some considerable twisting force when up and that
this is what has ultimately caused this screw to begin to work loose. 
It surprised me, because I literally don't use the rudder very often and
wouldn't have suspected an equipment failure there (but I still
look!)<grin>.
  I plan to remove the rudder itself and reset the offending screw using
some West System epoxy in the existing hole.  My other thought is to
simply fill the existing hole with an epoxy slurry, let it set, and then
re-drill the hole - any opinions from others on the best approach?

Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska

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