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Re: Steering: I vote for a hand-controlled rudder
By:Mike Plumer
Date: 9/7/2001, 1:34 pm
In Response To: Re: Got a picture? (Tom Tieman)

:: Any suggestions on steering would be appreciated. It would be nice if leaning
: were the only means needed to maintain a course. For steering, the plan is
: to test in the following order: 1. Use traditional and greenland paddles.
: A forward stroke may not work well because it's like trying to pat your
: head and rub your belly at the same time.
: 2. Make hand paddles and use them like cross country ski paddles.
: 3. Add a rudder.

Responsive steering is one of the features which makes the Mirage fun to "drive". Maybe you've seen a Mirage, but for those who haven't, the linked image shows two black levers flush with the hull on the right side of the cockpit. The rear lever raises and lowers the rudder. The forward lever is where the right hand rests, and it controls the rudder. Using this small lever it's possible to do almost sports-boat turns around a piling or an object of interest with practically no movement of the hand.
So the steering is not only responsive, but involves only one hand. The steering hand can be removed from the rudder control during straight stretches with only occasional minor corrections, leaving both hands free as needed for whatever you want to do - fishing, picking trash out of the water, opening drinks or snacks, waving, using binoculars, or writing in your journal. You're free to do those things while the kayak is under way. I can't do any of these things well while paddling.
The disadvantage of steering with a rudder is that it does involve one hand, and if you intend to paddle while pedaling, then you have to sort of lock the rudder amidships and steer with the paddle, giving up a great deal of maneuverability. Both my wife and I have found that paddling while pedaling is difficult, primarily because knees get in the way of a good paddle stroke. I'll be really impressed if you find that you can wear a traditional spray skirt while pedaling. Both of us raise our knees too high for that, I think (I'm 6'2", she's 5'7").
I think you can probably get along without a rudder, but once you install one, you'll regret that you didn't put it on right from the start. It'd make a huge difference to me. Without the rudder the boat would be a cute idea but clumsy and awkward. With the rudder it's almost a sports-car feel, and I can pedal for hours without numb legs (which still set in within 45 minutes in my Arctic Tern).

Messages In This Thread

Why not a sit-on-top pedal-powered stripper?
Mike Plumer -- 9/4/2001, 2:06 am
Actually, one is about to be complete!..
Tom Tieman -- 9/4/2001, 1:04 pm
A breif description
Tom Tieman -- 9/5/2001, 12:18 pm
Got a picture?
Mike Plumer -- 9/6/2001, 3:17 pm
Re: Got a picture?
Tom Tieman -- 9/7/2001, 8:09 am
Re: Steering: I vote for a hand-controlled rudder
Mike Plumer -- 9/7/2001, 1:34 pm
Re: Actually, one is about to be complete!..
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 9/4/2001, 1:54 pm
Re: Why not a sit-on-top pedal-powered stripper?
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 9/4/2001, 8:54 am
Re: Hobie pedal-driven fins
Mike Plumer -- 9/4/2001, 6:18 pm
Me too
Charlie Lesh -- 9/4/2001, 7:58 am
Here are two drive sources
Craig Bumgarner -- 9/4/2001, 8:55 am
Re: Would I have to slow down in no-wake zones?
Mike Plumer -- 9/4/2001, 6:25 pm
Sure, why not ?
Paul G. Jacobson -- 9/4/2001, 4:15 am
Re: Seems straightforward...
Mike Plumer -- 9/4/2001, 6:29 pm