I am getting pretty frustrated with fighting the wind and current to keep my yak on track. I need a rudder but I just cant bring myself to spend $250 plus for the kit when I am certain that I could build one in my garage for a fraction of the price. (If there were a universal brand that would work for under $100, I would go with that). I saw a you tube video where a guy traced templates from a retail kit and made his own parts. I was considering doing that or maybe trying to engineer my own. Has anyone here done this already? If so, are you willing to share the templates? I just thought I would ask before jumping into it.

Thanks,

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Koz
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Ocean Kayak Prowler 13T Camo

Hey Koz.....There have been several posts on here about DIY rudders over the years....

Dunno if you have used the "Search" function....look up under the JKF logo....probably use the Keyword "rudder" and I would first use the Kayak Rigging forum...and scroll down and click on "Search"

(I just tried it and got over 400 "hits" so it would take some type to check all of them....so......)

Click on "Search" above.....in the Keyword area type (+ rudder + build) and select Kayak Rigging as the forum and click on Search below....and it got 14 hits and several threads by CaptKenRoy were really good ones if I remember correctly....and you can always PM him too!!

Good Luck!!
JohnYaksJax

Unless you make your own, the Crack Of Dawn kit is the least expensive on the market.

http://www.mastheadsailinggear.com/pc-2 ... r-kit.aspx

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After extensive, diligent, and scholarly research, there is NO evidence that life should be so serious.

The Original HP Outback

Dreads....Great looking solution at a super price too!!

They now use Spectra line instead of S/S cables, and that is what Hobie and Wilderness Systems use on their rudders...and it lasts a long time!!
JYJ

Great price, and worth it weight in gold!

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LIME GREEN OK PROWLER 13

"Ninety percent of what I like about this sport -- and it is a sport -- is sitting in the boat doing nothing.... All there is is a man, a rod, a lake, and a fish. And it all starts with a hand-dug American worm." - Hank Hill

My son and I both have OK Tridents and he built a rudder from scratch. Search for his user name AB Boomer to see the detailed build. He built it last year and it's still going strong...not sure what he spent on it but it was under $50

Thanks for the input. I had tried the search but was unable to find anything useful. I will look into the COD kit and search the user names you guys mentioned.

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Koz
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Ocean Kayak Prowler 13T Camo

This is the post from AB Boomer mentioned above. It shows his attempt at a home built rudder - looks pretty good....


http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com/phpBB/post195255.html#p195255

That wasn't an attempt, it was a completion!

Thanks GLyncker. That's what I was looking for. I started drawing up some plans last night that look similar. This will help me with my attempt.

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Koz
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Ocean Kayak Prowler 13T Camo

Hey guys. Im new to the site but wanted put some ideas for a cheap rudder out there. I built my rudder out of a large plastic cutting board and some SS bolts. Cost around 30$ total.

very similar to the way Boomer did his, but with plastic.

im trying to Download the photos. not sure yet how to use this site

Search custom rudder in the search box and scroll down until you see my name, pics are there, it works great still

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FROM THE POLE TO THE PAN!!
Parrish Rod Repair & Spot On Custom Rods

Here is my very rough draft so far. I formed the rudder out of a piece of oak plank. I don't know if that's a good idea or not but I am going with it. I need to work on the steering next.

[photobucket][/photobucket]

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Koz
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Ocean Kayak Prowler 13T Camo

[photobucket][/photobucket]

[photobucket][/photobucket]

cutting board rudder

light weight, rust and rot proof