Ocean Kayak Trident Rudder Issue

Don't know if this is the right forum for this....

I installed the Ocean Kayak rudder kit on my Trident 13. I have a real problem using the control lines to raise and lower the rudder.
Raising is easier (not much) than lowering. I am reasonably certain I installed correctly. Seems like too much drag on the line through the guides.

Any suggestions?

Lox

They are not the smoothest things in the world. Make sure the lines aren't twisted. Try some silicone spray on the lines where they go through the eyes.

For me what I did was made sure the rudder was too tight. After that I changed the stock line from what was sent to 550 paracord and made sure it  wasn't too tight. Now it's very easy to lower and raise the rudder. Shoot me a PM if you have any questions

Thanks for the replies. Tried silicone spray...didn't last.
I think paracord may work. Supplied line seems like it binds. I'll try and let you know.

Tnx!

Lox

Seems like too much drag on the line through the guides.

Not sure how you installed your rudder. But on my Trident 13, the only guide the 2 lines that raises and lowers the rudder blade passes through are the 2 closest holes to the center notch on the rudder catcher. And both of those holes are much bigger than the rudder line diameter.

Try raising and lowering the rudder blade by pulling on those lines just beyond the rudder catcher. If your lines are getting stuck going through those holes, then you have screwed up your installation.

If they go through fine, try raising and lowering the rudder blade by using your bungie handles. If the rudder blade hardly moves when you are pulling on the bungie handles, then you have cut your bungie cord much too long. Remember to always pull on the handle further back, whether to raise or lower your rudder.

If you are still having problems, drive over the Benicia bridge and I will take a look at it for you.

I replaced the thicker cord that came with the rudder with para cord and loosened up the bungee. Moves much better. Thanks for the tips!

Lox

PS Salmom are starting to be caught in benicia - buddy caught a 12 lber off the shore state park

    Take a look at that Dyneema  .   West Marine carries it in 1/8"diameter and up..   That stuff is incredibly slick and nearly impossible to cut.   Stronger than braided SS wire.

    http://www.dsm.com/products/dyneema/en_US/home.html

Thanks I will check it out

Just starting up an old thread.  It turns out mine was installed FUBAR.  I think it was installed at a shop.  Mine is almost impossible to deploy using the lines.  There is a two part video on how to install, so I am going to fix and see if it works.