> I'll look into that. I suspect that with the advances in polymers since
> then, I'll be able to find a tough enough plastic. Aircraft supply is a
> good idea! Thanks all!

One of the causes of the wear problem is the tension on the rudder control cables. If you can reduce the tension, you will not need as tough a plastic. The standard system channels all the bracing pressure along with the turning pressure through the rudder control cables. If the bracing pressure is applied to the boat at the footbraces you can use parachute cord as the control cables. The combination of a larger diameter cable and lower tension on the cable will eliminate most of the wear.