Rudder Repair Gizmo.wmv

Safety is a choice. Here's a simple gizmo to install on any surfski or kayak that makes a steering system fully functional again if a cable breaks.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Bellingham surfski
• Whatcom Paddlers
• ultramarathon paddling

[prosenquist]

Smart ass! Why didnt we think of this earlier! Takes the entire ruddel line stress away... I am so screwed if that happens (and it will) as I am usually on my own, and out in freekin cold water in a desolated archipelago. Will seek this well nuts first prior to drilling... any tips on what theyr called in Swedish :-)

Thanks again!

[NWWayofLife]

Hey Prosenquist... thanks for the note. Stoked to see the video making it over to your northern waters. Good luck finding the well nuts over there. If you get in a pinch, drop me a line and I'll send you a gizmo w/ well nut ready to install.

B

[ZippityBeans]

Ok, and I 2nd Greg's question! Where do we find well nuts?

[NWWayofLife]

Hey guys... thanks for checking out the video and for commenting. To find well nuts, I'd check any auto parts stores, West Marine or other marine supply shops, decent hardware stores... or do a Google search for "well nut" and quite a few options come up. They're also great for rigging perimeter lines on a surfski or outrigger.

[SagaSeaCraft]

Just the other day, after writing my previous post here, I went for a nice, 11 mile, heavy-weather paddle. After returning safely but quite fatigued from the beating, I washed/inspected the boat. I noticed that my starboard rudder pedal had cracked at both hinges, and could have broken off while paddling in the rough conditions. I immediately thought about this video and the back-up bungi/hook. It brought home the fact that it does not have to be a broken cable to make a bad situation.

[SagaSeaCraft]

Good idea. Checking for frayed lines (like the one on your port control) and replacing them can help alot, too. Spectra line is tough stuff, but won't last forever. Also, the well nut would likely crush the foam or nomex cores used in many skis, leading to delamination. It would be best to drill an over-sized hole, apply high-density thickened epoxy, let cure, then redrill a correct-sized hole for whatever fastener you choose, whith a bit of neat epoxy for leak-proof install / piece of mind.

[Mako6no]

Thanks for the great vid. Have always wondered how to do this and now I know. Will spread the word in Norway as well.

[ZippityBeans]

Awesome, Brandon! This will work for many outrigger canoes as well!

[Duvallgreg]

Very cool.  Are "well nuts" hard to find?