DIY Kayak Rudder Install On Ascend FS12T 

I must say, that is an impressive diy rudder install! Nice work!

Thanks for posting. I've been looking for example DIY installs of a rudder kit for my sit on top kayak, but most videos show foot pedal steering. I'm going to adopt your idea thanks.

I was thinking about using two pivoting skegs ; one at each end. They will act like ailerons to increase instant reaction. I’m a commercial diver and will be utilizing what I know about submersibles, submarines and ROVs. I’d like to make a shallow water submersible out of a couple of these but that would require destroying two kayaks and use air pressure to keep the water pressure from distorting the structure. It can be dry but the person inside would have decompression obligations if descended below 33’. So; he’d be on scuba if there was a failure. Also the submersible would be attached to a buoyed and anchored descent line. It would work fine down to thirty ft. I’m thinking about it; that’s all right now.

Thanks for sharing this video, this is a great DIY idea for a installing a kayak rudder. I thought of something for your steering mechanism, ad a simple knob to the top of the wheel that can spin. Something like a "Brodie Knob" used on tractors. Just a thought.

Good vid, given me some good ideas now, thanks 😁👍

creativity at its best! Thanks for taking the time and sharing. Great Job!

Great video. Very detailed on how to rig one up for newbies

Is that an aftermarket single rod holder you put into the 3 rod holder spots you built? or just a piece of pvc, then you heated and put a glass beer bottle in to open it up?

You aught to see what I’ve done to a PFD. I’m still altering that by adding more floatation, a crotch strap, reflective strips. And a DYI inflatable dry suit from a rain suit. This is stowed on the back of the PFD; secured by a length of yellow tow strap with Velcro attached. The idea is to blow the outside heat wicking water off or away from the user. It’s also added flotation and visibly brighter than clothing. I flood my dry suit all the time when working hard then blow the water out. A kayaker should dress for submersion every time he goes out.

Good stuff! Very creative indeed.

Is it hard to use the hand control and paddle? I'm looking at trying to retrofit my existing foot braces but if the hand control works ok I'll try that route. Thx!

Great video! Very helpful. Liked and Subbed. Thank you for using waterproof material ( I believe those cutting boards are Teflon, or Delrin) to make your rudder mount instead of wood...like other RU-vidrs. 😅🍻

Awesome..question, does the wooden pulley remain fixed in place? I imagine the current can move the rudder out of position, how do you keep it still ?

Could you share the .stl for the spacer you designed?

I’m using those rubber well nuts on everything that penetrates the kayak.

Listen; I found some tape that bonds to the kayak I’m doing an experiment to see if there is a chemical bond or I can induce a chemical bond. If it works; I’ll have my kayak hull wrapped with my company logo and awesome color scheme. Lol maybe a thousand bait fish. Lol

good job 👍👍👌