There are several ways to connect control cables to your rudder system.
Typically rudder cables have eyelets swaged firmly in place on one end of the cable, the other plain. This is not something you can do at home as it takes a special tool. (See figure #2 - photo by Tim Walsh).
One end must be plain in order to slip into the rudder tube. The end of the cable with the eyelet can be connected to the tiller wing on the rudder body (at stern) or to the rail of the foot brace control in the cockpit.
A machine screw and nut, or clevis pin and ring are common ways to secure this end of the cable to the rudder assembly. A screw is often used to secure the eyelet to the foot brace rail. These are all removable options on the eyelet end of the cable.
A swage, crimp-on sleeve, or ferule, as they are called, is a soft metal bead that is meant to be squashed flat onto the cable to create a permanent loop in the cable.
Swaging the cables, or crimping as it is sometimes called, can be done well with a Swaging and Cutting tool, or you can squeeze the swage flat with standard vice grips.
Cutting of cable is best done with heavy wire cutters. Some multi tools are up to the task, but not all. Use standard tools if you are doing this job only one time. Get a specialized tool if you expect to perform this task frequently.
A Thimble with Swage (see figure #1) can be used to secure the plain end of the cable to the rudder system. The thimble protects the cable from wear and tear. A thimble is commonly used with a shackle, but can also be used on its own. This is a permanent install, the swage can not be un-swaged. (Drawing by Tom Holtey)
The Smart Track Third Hand Swage can be used to connect rudder cables in much the same way. This kit has all the components to connect the cables to the tiller wings, or tiller arms, or to the rails of some foot brace controls. See figure #3 for the assembly and figure #4 for the component parts. This is a permanent install onto the cable. The swage can not be un-swaged.
A short length of rudder cable tubing, bent into a horseshoe shape can be used as a sort of thimble, and swaged in place. (See the Werner-Yakima Cable Thimble Kit.) Such a piece will prevent wear and tear of the cable and the part of the rudder system it is fastened to. Poly plastic tube is not immune however from wear. It will eventually wear through and fail, probably before the rudder cable breaks.
This system can be applied to the holes in tiller wings or to the holes or screws on rails of the foot brace controls. This is a permanent install, the swag can not be un-swaged.
The Smart Track Cool Rudder Wedgies are a unique and innovative way to connect rudder cables to the tiller wings, or tiller arms of the rudder body.
They come with a Smart Track Performance Blade Housing, are also sold seperately, and can be used to connect the cables that come with the Toe Pilot Foot Controls to any rudder assembly.
The primary advantage is that they are NOT permanent and can be adjusted, disassembled and reassembled at any time - no heavy, or special tools needed. Very handy in making sure the cables are the same length.
A set of Cool Ruder Wedgies in combination with any replacement rudder cables would be an ideal repair kit for kayak expeditions.
Shopping for Rudders at Tom's TopKayaker Shop:- Kayak Rudders & Parts - TopKayaker Shop - For all your kayak hardware needs: strap eyes, well-nuts, brass snaps, buckles and more.
Article Resources:
-
How to install a Rudder on a Sit-on-top Kayak (sagging of cables to plastic rails, screws and nuts on tiller wings)
-
Rebuild a Scupper Pro Rudder (info on metal rails)
- See our Kayak Repair &
Customization Index here at TopKayaker.net for instruction on
hardware mounting or modifications made to your kayak.
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