Part 1 of 7-Homemade Rudder System for a Kayak

A homemade rudder system that could be adapted to many kind of kayaks regardless of the maker, including sit-on-top kayaks.

I spent about 8 hours -spread in 4 days- to build and install the rudder system, at a cost of US$ 55.

In this video tutorial (seven parts) I show how to build the rudder parts from scratch, using items available in most common hardware stores. As reference I used a rudder from another similar kayak, in order to make it as similar as possible to the original one.

Rudder templates can be ordered for just US$ 5 at http://www.wix.com/mobykraft/website#!kayaks-&-canoes and the templates will be send via email.

UPDATE 1-22-11: I am suggesting to make the rudder out of fiberglass (stiffer, less weight and doesn't bend) using the aluminum template as mold.

These are some selected videos of kayak rudders made using my templates and following my videos (thanks to the builders for sharing):

1. From Spain - video by kiketom: Timon kayak Tribord RK500-1 http://youtu.be/Zzukn8hw0z0
2. From UK- video by TheSwka: Home made rudder Kayak Prowler trident 13 http://youtu.be/vHuComJEYX4
3. From USA - video by mariotxus: Field & Stream Eagle Talon 12 SOT http://youtu.be/t9NenW-lnhg
4. From Canada - by Jeff Casavant: Guillemot Kayak Rudder made from laminated wood strips and fiberglass http://youtu.be/-uOvezWqtTo
___

MOBYKRAFT WEBSITE: http://www.mobykraft.com
___

Soundtrack music: "Console Cowboy 2008" by freesoundtrackmusic.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• kayak
• canoe
• rudder
• kit
• homemade
• how to build
• how to
• install
• build
• harmony
• wilderness
• perception
• pamlico
• tarpons
• 135T
• river
• DIY
• timon
• fabricar
• construir
• instalar
• hobby
• boat
• homebuilt
• watersport
• paddlesport
• mobykraft
• sanjuanx
• fabricación
• timón
• ocean
• outdoor sports
• canoa
• bote

[mariotxus]

Sanjuanx. I just want to say thanks for posting this video. It gave me enough confidence to built my own rudder!

[sanjuanx]

@mariotxus You are welcome. Let me know how it worked.

[mandolinut]

Good video information. Thanks for the post. Could you tell us where do you buy the fiberglass block? Thanks again.

[sanjuanx]

@mandolinut 12"x1.25"x1.25" bar bought at fiberglass-rods-bars . com/bars. htm (no spaces)

[facestomp10]

How exactly did you assemble the rudder blade with the two yellow pieces?

[sanjuanx]

The yellow pieces are just spacers to allow the retracting line roll around them. They freely rotate as the rudder blade does, so the axle bolt is what keeps the assembly together (not tigthen).

[arboledax]

I saw your 7 parts and really worth it. You saved $170 building it yourself. Have you tested yet? I live in Alaska and have a kayak that needs a rudder like the one you made.

[lelasedu]

oh yeah!!! these kayak is the best kayak in the world!!!!

[mandolinut]

thanks again. I am going to build this to help me steer while sailing downwind with a sail I made. Should be fun

[sanjuanx]

Sure you can!

[NinjaMushroomz]

Thanks! Can I order one from you?

[sanjuanx]

Yes, but mostly helping my dad. I also used to paddle a lot in Venezuela and fort Lauderdale since I was a child, so it has been part of my life. Google the following for more info: reocities xabier_sanjuan_a/kayaking