> As many of you know I am just starting a Chesapeake 17' that I intend on
> taking for a three week expedition from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron
> (Georgian Bay) through the Trent Severn Waterway. It seems many, let's
> called them purists, frown on the use of a Rudder. Proper paddling
> technique eliminates the need for a rudder. However, I'm going on a fairly
> long trip and if a rudder will save energy I will install one. The
> question is, as a novice builder and paddler, should I install a rudder?
> Also, does anyone have any experience with the Seaward Kayaks MFG. LTD.
> (Canadian Company) rudder kit that has the adjustable and lockable foot
> braces?

> Cheers, Dan

Dan, Seaward has several different types of rudders. The older style has a single vertical pin that acts as the hinge for the system. You need to be able to drill down into the stern and either make an epoxy/graphite bushing or use something like brass to bush the hole the pin slides into. It works fine on boats that have a fairly squared off stern. Would be hard to fit to a Guillemot type stern. Their newest "Smart Rudder" has a bracket which mounts about 1 to 2 inches below the level of the deck. The good part of the system is that you can firmly brace whild still maintaining rudder control depending where you position your foot on the brace. The pedal angle can also be adjusted. I'm planning on stopping in at their factory tomorrow as I have a business trip to Vancouver Island tomorrow. I'll check the availability of the system and get a price. Some companies won't sell their systems unless it is to refit their own kayaks. Alan