Re: [Paddlewise] Feed the need

Matt wrote:
"Putting a rudder on a Mariner. Nearly as many folks have taken them off later
as have had them put on in the first place. If you get footpedals that will
stay solid under the balls of your feet so you don't lose leg power in your
stroke, a rudder blade that can be stored so it doesn't add windage to your
stern (creating the weathercocking it was needed to compensate for--by adding
drag I may add), and a rudder and cables that also stay out of the way so it
doesn't cut you up if you tangle with it on land or sea, then I might start to
think the few advantages a rudder provides might start to balance out all the
disadvantages they add to a kayak. At least to a kayak that has little need
for a rudder to control weathercocking and broaching in the first place.
Speaking of broaching, while you're at it can you mount the rudder further
forward under the hull like an adjustable skeg so it will stay in the water
when your stern is hanging in the air as you are starting to surf on a wave
and the kayak is at greatest risk of broaching (rather than just waving around
in the air at that critical time)."

Maybe a rudder cum skeg is the ideal?! A rudder that only works as a skeg, deployed
only when needed - one foot down to lower and the other down to lift it?!

Some sort of lock keeping it in the position needed, without feet input?!


Tord


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