: I know this has been posted here before. Sorry but I need more
: info,pics and directions on how to make and setup a under stern
: retractable rudder that is easy to make and low maintenance. My
: next kayak will be a stripper surf ski design. What I've seen on
: the net and here seems to be confusing for me new to rudders.
: Not very good drawing to reproduce not really knowing much about
: them. I'm thinking a under rudder would be better in rougher
: water, but more complicated than a rear mount. Iv seen drawings
: of drum rudders but there not really enough. kirk

An understern rudder isn't really all that hard to make, need a composite tube of some sort glassed into the hull with the top well above the waterline so it won't have to be sealed and so it won't leak, the rudder shaft runs thru that tube and the rudder blade is built upon the rudder shaft. Don't want to use one where there is a weed problem and where you'll be running the boat up on the shore, but otherwise will work ok.

Have to use a stand of some sort to store the boat on the shore too, can't just sit the boat on the fairly fragile rudder.

An overstern rudder is much easier though, lots of them can be bought and they can be tipped up to clear weeds and for shallows as well as storage while out of the water.

Bill H.