ride 135 rudder

[newkayakguy]

I was thinking of putting a rudder on my ride 135.what r the advantages of having one on my kayak

[FishingGeek]

I have one on my Ride 115. I like it a lot because I don't have to worry about steering while I'm paddling, just paddle and go, let my feet do the steering, especially in the wind.

[colinkelly]

Thought about one for my 135 as well. What is the scale of difficulty to install on a 1-10?

[rwh]

There are a couple walk thru videos on you tube that show how to install them. It looks pretty straight forward (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2paWTxaHKE)
I have also thought about putting one on my Ride 135, but the thing that I don't really get is how they affect paddling the kayak when you are going for long distance or have to put some power into your paddle strokes. When I have to paddle mine for a long distance, I try to focus on my paddling technique and I use the balls of my feet to press pretty hard on the foot pedals to transfer the power of the stroke to the boat. Doesn't using a rudder prevent you from doing that? Does it make you go all side to side?

[archeryrob]

Its not hard to install, but watch the youtube videos several times! The directions that come with the rudder kits from harmony are all but useless! I followed one of the video and it made it simple. The only thing they forgot to show was you was a 3/4" flush bolt to the rudder foot control on each side, SO the don't fall out!! I found that out on the first trip trailering it on it side. I saved all the extra hardware and now it all set and done. That bolt goes in the only spot 3/4 back to the paddler where a recessed bolt would go.

On the foot peddles, yes, you can't push on them unless you push on both equally, or your steering. I personally don't think pedals are useful as I started my career in a canoe and can paddle the same cross legged or straight legged. I power stroke by rotating and pushing my torso back at the same time., but that is just me.

[Hemingway]

I have one on my Ride 135 (factory installed). I use it about 50% of the time. Helps in a cross wind or current. No problem paddling, you will easily learn how to counter the pressure for power stroke. Plus it is wonderful when I am under sail

[charlieru]

I just installed a smartrack rudder with the smartrack Toe Pilot Foot Control on my Ride 135. I have not had a chance to use it yet but it sure looks and feels good so far. The installation wasn't really that hard once you read the instructions. The toepilot pedal were a pain the butt to install, they are not designed for the Ride and again you will have to improvise with adapters and what have you. Even though I got them installed, I don't recommend them. Here are some pictures of what I did and how it looks.

Rudder1.jpg Rudder2.jpg Rudder.jpg