Re: [Paddlewise] [PaddleWise] Rudder mounting

On Sunday 13 May 2007 07:13, Doug wrote:

(snip)

> The pin type of rudder mount, like the Feathercraft rudder (Seaward does
> a pin-style too, as does Necky, Current Designs, etc.) needs a factory
> end-pour and/or rudder-specific area to place the pin rudder and the
> retaining washer on a horizontal plane. This last point being why I
> thought about the welded bracket that mounts on to the end of many strip
> kayaks to give them a outboard rudder mount for a pin-style rudder,
> independent of the need for modifications. I did pick up a nicer piece
> of hardware similar to the strip-kayak style mount, but nicer looking. I
> got mine from Ronstan:
>
> http://www.des-boots-service.de/images/71.332.501.jpg

Looks very durable!
>
> I'll modify it for kayak rudder use. I think it is for a tiller or some
> such thing. It's anodized aluminum, and not cheap. I may still need a
> bit of an end pour to toughen up the rear end of the kayak. The neat
> thing about an outboard rudder mount is I don't need to cut the end of
> the kayak off.

Tapping the rear of the kayak would tell if it needs a pour or not. Dead
sound means massive end, of course :-)!

> I had a close look at rudders at the Ladysmith Paddlefest today. 

(snip)

> But for overall ruggedness and mounting durability, I really liked the
> Seaward rudders. The newer Cosma kayak from Seaward had the neatest
> rudder deployment system I have ever seen, with an uphaul/downhaul line
> running beside the cockpit coming in a molded channel. If worked
> flawlessly compared to the Delta system which was similar in concept but
> stiff to use. The Seaward unit included an additional small pulley for
> the uphaul line (I think) on the rudder than smoothed things out.
>
> http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534
>374302700757&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442507567
>
> Neat for rudder users, as one won't have to turn backwards to haul up
> the rudder when heading into shore. I may even add this system and a
> Seaward rudder to my Nordkapp build.

Sounds like an excellent system, almost as good as the old one on Kleppers
(the new looks very much like Feathercraft's).

(snip)

> Doug Lloyd

I once saw an unusual arrangement, on a kayak in the UK, of twin skegs, 
mounted to a shaft running over the rear of the kayak itself, so one 
finlike skeg per side, like two miniature leeboards.

Seems as foolproof system there can be, as if they get entangled in kelp,
or something, they are within easy reach for a friend in another kayak. 
Totally remotely operated, of course! Picture here:

Arrgh! Foldingkayaks . org is down !!! No picture just now!

> > Steve Isaac at Watertribe has done this kind of modification, cutting
> > the narrow tip off before installing Seaward rudder:
> > http://www.watertribe.org/Magazine/2003_1January/IsaacGottaHaveARudder
> >.asp
> >

Yeah, looks really good, doesn't it?!

> >> And I would use heftier bolts/screws in the two upper holes!
> >
> > I'm confused. Seaward bracket needs only 2 holes, so one would be the
> > lower
> > hole, and another one, respectively, "upper".

My mistake, sorry!

Tord
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************