TESTING THE RUDDER SYSTEM
TESTING THE RUDDER SYSTEM
STEP 1: SUPPORT THE BOAT BEFORE TESTING!
1
Situate the kayak so that it will safely bear your weight
and the rudder will not contact the fl oor or ground when
deployed. You may wish to set the kayak on a deck with the
stern extending over the edge or to put the kayak in calm
water to test its operation.
2
Remove the bungee cord holding the rudder to the rear
deck. Grasp the rudder actuation cords at the knots and pull
the lower knot forward and the upper knot aft to make the
rudder blade swing down freely. Pull in reverse directions to
raise the rudder, noting the position of the knots when the
rudder is stowed or deployed.
STEP 2: CHECK ALIGNMENT AND SMOOTHNESS OF
OPERATION
1
With the rudder deployed and the kayak safely supported,
get into the kayak and place your feet on the rudder pedals.
Pushing one pedal forward while relaxing pressure on the
other makes the rudder pivot freely to the side pushed.
Reversing the foot pressure makes the rudder swing easily
to the other side. If you experience a slight catch with either
leg fully extended, it may be necessary to remove any excess
glue securing the bow nut to the foot brace track.
2
With your legs equally extended, check to see that the
rudder is in a neutral position, aligned with the centerline
of the kayak.
STEP 3: USE EXTRA CAUTION WITH YOUR NEW RUDDER
1
Be aware that the presence of a rudder requires new
precautions when launching and landing your kayak. Keep
the rudder stowed on deck with the bungee cord released
as often as possible when launching or landing, since
underwater objects or the lake or sea bottom may bend the
rudder blades..
2
Use extra care to avoid personal injury when handling your
boat with a rudder installed. For example, be careful not
to bump into your rudder when your boat is stored or on
a roof rack, as the rudder is not quite as forgiving as the
unadorned hull of your kayak.
COMPLETED
ASSEMBLY
REVISION
1.0
4/20/05
DATE
