2007 tarpon 160 ?'s

 I recently got a good deal on an unused 2007 t160i. I have a question about the rudder up and down line going into the rudder assembly at a 45 degree angle. You can feel the resistance when you operate it and it feels like it is going to cut through in no time. Has anyone come up with a modification that works here?
 I have gone through the WS forums and don't see anyone with a surf proof fishfinder or forward rod holder installation. How can I make these bomb proof or possibly stowable?

 Thanks in advance, David

i have a stock ws rudder and it is very smooth, may need some beak in, and i have my ff on the front and take the head off for transport, no surf yet for me though, all so you could put them on a ram mount and stow it when not in use.

Congrats on the new speedster.
I dont know if you can really consider anything attached to the outside of a kayak surf proof and that includes hatches. The wise will stow everything for the launch and the exodus.
I have been unwise and it sucked.
Im a big fan of the ram balls         yes     kind of uncomfortable to say.
If I did need to make the boat as bomb proof as possible and didnt have the time or the conditions to make it to the front hatch, I can fold the FF and rod holder over to hopefully help prevent any damage. This is also nice when stacking multiple boats on racks between trips and you dont have to take it all apart each time. The T160i will have better room for this if you want to try this route. Ive always been suspiscious of the small tupperware hatches being able to take the heavy hit.
Ive no clue when it comes to rudders but they look like they could get hurt in a tumble too.
hope this helps    good luck

Dry lube rudder assembly, RAM mount ff or Humminbird/Eagle with removable screen, strip of webbing with clip over bow hatch like hydrospider.
Fish it 'til the wheels fall off.

 Thanks guys, I knew there would be some experienced yakers with knowledge in this area. The front hatch definitely needs some protection, I will be adding two straps there. The ram mount idea looks good, never seen these in a kayak store, what store has these for me to physically check out. Spider your rod holder on the right side is out of the way of the ff which is cool but is pretty far forward. I see you have other mounts in the center area. For trolling and stowing while moving to new locations, what area was best for your fishing rod. I see you have  some mileage on your boat, a good sign. This will be my boat until someone invents the perfect fishing kayak.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,17309.0.html

The FF head just unclips/unplugs and goes to storage (along with reels etc). The ram holder / PanaVice will let the whole she-bang fold forward out of the way for landing.

Ben

hook one has the ram mounts and an assortment of rod holders and fishfinder mounts. they are awesome to deal with too. I have the same setup as hydro on a p-13, no problems for the 4 years I have had it.