: The rubber idea sounds feasible. How well does rubber hold up
: around salt water?

It should last a heck of a lot longer than you will! Klepper's hulls are "rubber" (hypalon) coated and estimated to last 25 years. Some people are getting 50 years of service out of their old hull skins--but by that time they probably have quite a few patches. Similar "fabric" such as sections of sidewall from bicycle tires, should last about as long. Innertube material would probably last 10 to 20 years. I think the aluminum pop rivets would corrode away before the rubber wore out.

Will there be any area where you might be able to grip the rudder cable with your hand from your seated position in the cockpit? If so, put some kind of an adjustable "stop" on it. Should the pedal fail you could then adjust the position of this stopping device to lock the pedal into a fixed position. Even if the pedals work perfectly, you might find that being able to lock the rudder will allow you to flex your feet a bit. Any kind of barrel lock device, such as one might find on the hood of a winter jacket, or a pocket on a backpack, would serve nicely.

Otherwise, carry a knife or wire cutter, and if the pedal fails, reach down and cut the string or cable going to it, the tie off what you have to fix the rudder into a usable position. AS long as you have a plan for dealing with possible material failure, you have lots of options to experiment with. Have fun picking the method which suits you the most. and if you are unsure--just build another boat and try it!

Unlike most other 12-step programs, Boat Builders Annonymous usually serves drinks after the meetings, and nobody really wants to kick the habit.

PGJ