rudder stuck had left

I have a 2009 Revolution. I have it about a month and have an intermittent problem with the rudder. Sometimes, usually with a following current or tide, the rudder goes had left and will not respond to the rudder control lever.

To get out of the situation I have to UP rudder then DOWN rudder (sometimes several times) to regain rudder control. I’ve adjusted the rudder controls no help.

My shop has not had any reports like this. Has anyone experienced this phenomenon? If so how did you resolve it.

Thanks,
Kim Sutton

Hi Kim and welcome to the forum.

It sounds like your rudder is not locked down. Right behind the rudder-down cord there is a cam cleat. Pull your rudder down nice and tight and slip the line in the cam cleat to keep it taut. This locks the rudder in the down position. Hopefully that will take care of it for you.

Thanks for the reply roadrunner but this kayak doesn't have a cleat. But your response got me to thinking. When the rudder is down there is a grove the rudder fits into maybe I'm not getting it into the grove. I hope to give it a try again tomorrow.

Kim Sutton

Sorry about that. The AI uses a cam cleat. Your Revolution, however, should have a "jamb" or "clam" cleat like the one shown here (also an '09 Revolution) located at the lower aft corner of your starboard mesh pocket. It blends in well and is easy to overlook.




If your boat is missing the cleat, I'm sure your dealer can install it for you. He should have gone over this with you.

Roadrunner,

Well Duh, It's there and it's easy to over look and no the dealer didn't go over this part with me. Anyway Kudos to you and thanks for solving this for me.

Kim