Steering Cable Fix

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.