Re: [Paddlewise] [PaddleWise] Rudder mounting

Thanks for the input Tord (et all).

I said:
>> 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

It's hard to see in the MEC website picture, but the uphaul/downhaul line 
are routed through the kayak, under the rear deck - super sano. Her's a 
better view for you rudder junkies:

http://www.seawardkayaks.com/paddlersiderdsdefault.aspx

Gotta love those Seaward guys - rugged, gas-style rudder peddels, workable 
paddlefloat rescue straps, UHMW keel guards, some locking hatch covers, and 
new, well-executed Thermoformed kayaks.I take a lot of my design-cues from 
them. No affiliation. The Nigel Foster designed Silhouette from Seaward I 
sat in wasn't vacume bagged, but appeared soild, stiff, and well-finished. I 
take it their vetran crew must have a lot of skill to keep these hand-laid 
kayaks as light and straong as they are.

Tord said:
> 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.

Yes, I remember that picture link being posted here before on Paddlewise. 
Does have some merit, but cumbersome and not deep drfaft enough for me.

And:
>> > 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?!

He's using the large tandem kayak rudder - to big for even me. I'll go for 
the skinny, extra-long blade from Seaward. I think the idea of a rudder and 
a skeg has merit on the same kayak. I only use the rudder in extreme 
conditions or when my shoulder tendinitis flares up accutely. I've never 
used a skeg, but the concept has a lot of merit obviously - being so 
popular. I'll probably build in the new Hydro Skeg from the UK:

http://www.kari-tek.co.uk/html/skeg_systems.html

I anticipate using the skeg the majority of time (when I need directional 
control), rather than the rudder. Unless I buy a different factory-appointed 
kayak, of course. I often hear of exceptional paddlers, eventually lamenting 
their lack of a rudder under certain, exhausting circumstances, even in 
kayaks desiged to behave neutral. I'm not willing to take that gamble, 
normally, especially as I'm prone to modifying my own kayaks.

There were some strip build kayaks at the festival. I wasn't impressed. 
Perhaps I need to get to a wooden boat festival and see some better examples 
of workmanship.

Doug Lloyd - no affiliation with above manufactures, etc.
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