> Ok, my "pin mount" rudder came in today for the Guillemot. Any
> suggestions on how much stern I need to cut off to make it work? Do I need
> to cut off any of the stern? There isn't much clearance between the pin
> and the rudder blade. Should I build a bracket that hangs off the back of
> the kayak or does the pin actually go "into" the kayak?

> So many questions and I feel absolutly ignorant about this. Any detailed
> instuctions or advice you folks can give will be a big help.

> I don't know squat about where it should be mounted or even what some of
> the pieces that came with the kit are for. ("O" rings, long
> bungie, short bungie, long parachute cord, misc screws)

> On a side note, the lockout footbraces from Seaward Kayaks is pretty cool.
> It looks like they whacked off the part where your foot rests on a yakima
> footbrace and welded on their own pivoting footrest. This gives you a firm
> place to brace against, but still be able to control the rudder. They sent
> along yakima rails also, but I think I'll just use my existing rails since
> the new ones are a little longer.

> Thanks in advance,

> Woody Cut not thy stern.I made a fin or skeg from cedar and glassed it on the stern.It is mostly above the water,and blends in with the hull.It is just long enough to enable the rudder to be vertical.I am making a second Guillemot,using ,as you are ,a Seaward rudder system,and I will again use the same method.The cedar is 3 layers thick,the layers epoxied together,and glassed over ,glued to the hull,taped and filletted.Looks good,looks and is sturdy,and permits the hull to let the water come together as a transom won't.I don't have a scanner,but if you wish,email me your address and I'll send you a pic.