> One of the causes of the wear problem is the tension on the rudder control
> cables. If you can reduce the tension, you will not need as tough a
> plastic. The standard system channels all the bracing pressure along with
> the turning pressure through the rudder control cables. If the bracing
> pressure is applied to the boat at the footbraces you can use parachute
> cord as the control cables. The combination of a larger diameter cable and
> lower tension on the cable will eliminate most of the wear.

OK. I recall a system shown in Woodenboat I think, which was basically a wing arrangement on a center pivot which was braced to the deck and the hull. This transferred all the force of bracing into the hull, but allowed the rudder to be used at the same time. It's major drawback was that it was not adjustable for different people. Is that the idea? Also, I have the opportunity to run the cables before the deck goes on. I think I can get them almost perfectly straight, which should eliminate local wear spots.