How to Install a Kayak Rudder

Kayaks work fine without rudders, but using one can aid navigation through wind and on extended trips, and reduce the amount of corrective paddling needed to keep on course. Adding a rudder can be expensive, but it will help you to conserve your energy while you're on the water, and allow you to boat more comfortably for a longer period of time. Every model of kayak is different and requires a specific add-on, but the general procedure is the same for all of these crafts and allows you to do the alterations on your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Rudder kit compatible with your kayak (includes the following parts)
  • Screwdrivers
  • Pliers
  • Wrenches
  • Hammer
  • Knife
  • Tape measure
  • Drill
  • Duct tape
  • Hot glue gun
  • Kayak with rudder option
  • Permanent marker
  • Small block of wood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Organize all of the kit's parts where you can get to them easily.

    • 2

      Measure for the locations of the holes in the stern that will be drilled to house the rudder steering control, the wire grommets, and the tubing, as indicated in the kit's guide. Mark those spots with the knife.

    • 3

      Hold the wood block against the inside of the kayak, where the holes will be drilled from the outside, to keep the drill from going in too deeply and overextending the holes.

    • 4

      Insert the tubing guides into the holes, and insert the tubing and the steering wires into the guides and then though the kayak's side grommets. Add a drop of hot glue to the screws for the steering track, which you will screw onto the foot rests. Sit down in the kayak and adjust the pedals on the steering tracks until you're comfortable with the placement.

    • 5

      Center the steering slide lever until it sits correctly and tape it in place temporarily so that you can more easily install the rudder assembly.

    • 6

      Measure out the placement for the rudder assembly on the kayak's stern, according to the make and model of the boat. Knick the spots with the knife, and drill the holes for the attaching hardware. Drip hot glue onto the screw holes, and then screw in the hardware.

    • 7

      Connect the steering lines to the rudder assembly and tighten them. Locate the sites for the holes that must be drilled to mount the hardware for the rudder's retraction line. Create the holes, drip on some glue, and screw in the hardware.

    • 8

      Bring the retraction line forward and connect it the right, rear side of the cockpit.