Steering Cable Fix

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6 years 6 months ago #31698 by owenfromwales
This has been discussed a lot before, but following Rob`s input on the Boat Volumes thread I thought I would through my method out there.

My bungee/elastic of choice for this is the tubular surgical type rubber. I know it can perish quickly in the sun, so I keep mine wrapped in a plastic bag in the front pocket of my PFD. It`s been there about 9 months and is still functional.

I went for surgical tubing because I`m hoping it will be quite doable if my steering goes on a big downwind. Other benefits are no need for anything else on the boat and it`s cheap to replace.

Anybody got any better ideas?


189cm 90~100kg
Present skis:
2017 Stellar SEI 2G
1993 Gaisford Spec Ski
1980s Pratt Spec Ski
1980s UK Surf Skis Ocean Razor
Previous
1980s UK Surf Skis Ocean Razor X 3
1987 Kevlar Chalupsky (Hummel) (Welsh copy!)
1988 Kevlar Double Chalupsky
1992 Hammerhead spec
2000 Fenn copy
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6 years 6 months ago #31739 by Hiro
Replied by Hiro on topic Steering Cable Fix
I cut strips from rubber inner tubes. If you have a bicycle, a motorbike or an old car, it inexpensive (almost free) and you can use it to secure anything to your boat. You can even use it to replace straps and use it to tie your boat to your racks.

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6 years 6 months ago #31790 by sski
Replied by sski on topic Steering Cable Fix
Ok, as a newbie who has only paddled short stretches of flatwater, can you explain what's going on? Is it in case the rudder line breaks and you fix it in a certain position?

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6 years 6 months ago #31807 by owenfromwales
Replied by owenfromwales on topic Steering Cable Fix
Hi sski,

The rubber has enough tension on the line that still works to pull it all the way back. That way you can extend that one foot-pedal to go straight, or to the other direction by pushing it all the way. Just relax the foot for it to steer back the other way again.

189cm 90~100kg
Present skis:
2017 Stellar SEI 2G
1993 Gaisford Spec Ski
1980s Pratt Spec Ski
1980s UK Surf Skis Ocean Razor
Previous
1980s UK Surf Skis Ocean Razor X 3
1987 Kevlar Chalupsky (Hummel) (Welsh copy!)
1988 Kevlar Double Chalupsky
1992 Hammerhead spec
2000 Fenn copy
The following user(s) said Thank You: sski

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6 years 6 months ago #31813 by Fath2o
Replied by Fath2o on topic Steering Cable Fix
The bungee/tubing method is a clever fix made much easier with a handle installed on the tail of the ski.
Another method is to use a plastic toilet wedge to immobilize the rudder.

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6 years 6 months ago #31824 by downwinda
Replied by downwinda on topic Steering Cable Fix
Another method is to use a plastic toilet wedge to immobilize the rudder.

Or you could get a new Kai Wa'a surfski when it comes out. The Ozone and Kai Wa'a boats have self centering springs in the rudder yoke, so if the cable breaks, they still track straight. This is not as effective as a bungee system, but it does keep the boat on track while you paddle steer.

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