replacing rudder line control...

Hi every one,
i would like to know how to replace rudder line control.
it seems quite difficult

I just replaced the steering lines on my Outback SUV and it was a piece of cake. I just ordered the new line (Spectra) and the crimp swedges from my local Hobie dealer. I only replaced both the left and right steering lines. I had 15 feet of new Spectra line and I just cut it in half so I would have equal amounts to work with for both paths. I removed the steering crank lever by loosening the setscrew that holds it on the shaft. Warning: There is a spring on the underside so when the setscrew is loosened sufficiently the shaft will disappear in about a millisecond! I removed the steering crank mechanism and spring from the kayak and then cut the crimped loops of the old Spectra lines from around the posts and then removed all of the old Spectra. I then inserted the new Spectra line into each of the pass-thru penetrations in the rear of the kayak. I found it quite easy to push the entire length of Spectra into the plastic tubes inside the hull. I tied temporary knots in the remaining ends of Spectra so that they would not get pulled inside the hull. I then looped the new Spectra around each crank lever post and crimped each swedge so that it could not easily come off of the post.

It is actully pretty intuitive once you remove the old lines. Just do the proverbial "assemble in reverse order" from when you disassembled it and you will be fine. For added piece of mind though I took several close up digital photos of the installation before taking anything apart. That allowed me to ensure I put it back together correctly.

One thing to remember though is to ensure you put the correct piece of Spectra on the correct post of the steering crank. If you twist the crank lever in your hand you will intuitively see which line goes on which side. The last thing you want is to move the lever to the left while the kayak steers to the right!

Also - there are several posts on this topic in the Kayak FAQ section.

On that steering handle....every one I have worked on has a fiber or nylon washer between the spring and the hull. Be watching for that. Also I found if I hang the kayak in a sling on its side, I can reach in and support the shaft / arms assembly when loosening the set screw. Also I can get much better leverage holding all in place against the spring when re-attaching the lever to the shaft.

Roger

_________________
Roger
http://www.aldenofsunapee.com/
http://www.NEKF.com/

Thanks for the tip about the washer Roger! I did hear something rattle in the hull today when I took it down from my car's roof rack. I bet that was it, because I never saw one when it flew apart. I will have to look for it now.

Many thanks!