Roadrunner wrote:
2. You can drill your own hole through the rudder post and rudder control and through bolt the handle. If the system is binding anywhere, use some silicone spray on all parts to free it up.
Thanks, RR. #2 is the temporary fix that I came up with on my own. To say the least, it ain't workin'. It has only slightly less slop in it than the 2010 model year factory setup had.
I bought my kayak from Massey's of Covington. They've always been helpful in the past. I reckon I'll have to stop back by and order all these parts - five total if I want to upgrade to the new-style handle with optional knob. Their tech should be able to answer my question about 2011 parts going into a 2010 hull.
Another thing I noticed about the steering system is that the tiller lines are starting to get frayed at both ends. I have a solution for that better than the factory parts - I do a lot of offshore deepdropping for bottomfish (electric reel fishing in waters approx 700-1000 foot) and I spooled my 50lb class reels with all braided. The braided Spectra that's OEM appears to be 130lb test. I can replace it with 300lb bulk line on my own and worry a lot less about fraying. Just sayin'....
Catch