> Reading the discussion on skegs has rekindled my thinking about adding a
> rudder to my CLC Cheas 17. I really don't want the typical rudder sticking
> off the stern of my kayak.

> I had thought about reproducing the small rudder used by Dagger on the
> Sitka kayak (the bottom 1/3 of the stern is a 'trim tab' that can swivel
> back and forth providing a small rudder effect)-but if the stern raises
> out of the water on a wave the rudder is useless.

> Back to the drawing board. I was trying to think of a system that would
> have a retractable rudder.

> Heres my most recent idea (see picture). The rudder would pivot up and
> down inside an enclosed box, the addition of a sleeve over the upper
> control arm would ensure it is water proof but still flexible enough to
> permit pivoting. With the rudder down - cables could turn to rudder.
> Retracting the rudder would require the bent upper arm (?) to be straight
> in line, therefore the rudder would not get jammed at an angle. Fully
> retracted the bent control arm would ensure that cable attachments are
> still above the water line, thereby minimizing risk of leakage. The rudder
> could be spring loaded (with a bungie) or have an open/close rope system
> (attached ~the bend in the arm, a rope pulling up could extend the rudder.
> Another rope from the cable T attachment pulled forward would retract the
> rudder --- still keeping everything ~watertight)

> The only technicality I can think of at this time is how much space would
> be lost to the system. Clearly this involves some moving parts in the aft
> hatch that could not risk being blocked up by gear. It should fit well
> back in the aft hatch - taking up only a few feet of relatively narrow
> packing space (need to have enough room for the control arm to swing
> through a fairly good arc). Plus, I guess it may be difficult to find the
> appropriate pivot mechanism - an axle with the control arm going through
> the center could pivot while the control arm could rotate in its hole.

> Since the entire rudder would be underwater, and in clean water (~no
> turbulence) a much smaller surface area should be sufficient - say
> ~6" long x4". With that size (leading to a 5" deep slot and
> therefore a 5" long upper control arm (above the bend) - a 6"
> internal boat width should allow almost a 60deg swing in either direction.

> Any suggestions???

> BTW, sorry if my thoughts are a little disorganized - I'm making this up
> as I go along.

> Mark