Rudder for kayak

[woodman]

I started making a rudder months ago but now I'm finally doing it....I don't know if this looks to big or what....I started out with the idea of spooling the rope in the blade itself, but after examining Gerald's I sandwiched 3/8'' spooled on the side of the blade....It's all Baltic birch except for the blade and a pc. of walnut....
I,m using some small dia. coated cable that was the draw string for a swimming pool cover some 15yrs. ago(never throw anything away)...
I need to figure a simple quick-disconnect of the rudders stering.....

 

[woodman]

After rummaging through parts came up with...a steering quick disconect..

Epoxy coated the wood parts with a seal coat get to the sanding etc. later...the controlls hooked up..

Used some PVC with 9/16 ID and some 1/2'' aluminum to slide in the inside.
The wood J hooks hold fishing rods and they rests up under the PVC tube...

 

[woodman]

All this was added to my Challenger I built last year...Have had it on several Ozark streams and local lakes..have sat and fished out of it for hours...

After 3 1/2 hrs of fishing yesterday I realy put to the test....
A weight added to the rudder might be a good idea...the bungee tends to add tension to the line when turning....
The rudder works fine without the bungee when using it for a controlled drift while fishing...with just a slight breeze now and then the rudder works like a dream for this application.. just paddle a stroke from either side when stopped and keep on casting because the rudder will take over in the direction of the drift..it is assume..
The adjustible center console works great with the foot pegs..their is 6 1/2'' between the side of the console and the rudder controlls..plenty of room to have the feet on one or the other....