Best Kayak Rudder Kits

kayaking

4 BEST KAYAK RUDDER KITS

Kayaking is an incredible and rewarding experience that offers several health benefits. For instance, you have to put in physical effort to get your kayak moving, which improves cardiovascular functions. However, even the most physically fit person sometimes struggles to keep their kayak on course. Luckily, just because the going gets tough doesn’t mean you have to give up on this enjoyable hobby. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of a helping hand to keep you going, which you can easily achieve with the best kayak rudder kits.

Keeping your kayak straight when you are navigating choppy ocean waters can seem near impossible if you do not have the right rudder kit. Even the most seasoned kayakers will have trouble paddling a straight path through the water. Outfitting your kayak with a rudder kit allows you to move in the direction you wish to go. Of course, knowing which rudder you should choose may seem impossible considering how many options there are to choose from. Fortunately, the comprehensive review guide below will help make your choice an easier one.

sport-kayak-paddle

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1. GLASS FIBER WATERCRAFT KAYAK BOAT RUDDER


Borogo Kayak Rudder, Fishing Watercraft Canoe Boat Rudder (Nylon Glass…

  • The Kayak Rudder Size – Size: Approx. 47 *15.5 * 14.2cm / 18.5 * 6.1 * 5.6 in (L * W * H); Rudder blade length:…
  • Sturdy & Tough – Material: Nylon & 304 stainless steel;Pin measures approximately 1.8″ in length and 0.4″ in diameter.
  • Installation And Use – Able to be secured when in the raised position to prevent the rudder from self deploying;Wires…

The Glass Fiber Watercraft Kayak Boat Rudder is both a great and affordable choice for kayakers looking to add a bit more control and stability over their kayaking experience. The kit is designed for use with rotating pedals and a foot control system so that you can use your feet to achieve results similar to if you were rowing. This multipurpose rudder works with a variety of water vessels, including kayaks, canoes, seayaks, and angling boats.

This kayak rudder kit is the cheapest on the list, which is suitable for kayakers on a budget. That is not to say that its cheap price tag means that it does not offer incredible features. In fact, the benefits that you can enjoy with this kit include:

  • Rotating pedals that come with the set

  • Sturdy rubber blade

  • Connection support

  • Base rod for efficient foot control system

It is apparent that customers have been generally satisfied with the purchase of the Glass Fiber Watercraft Kayak Boat Rudder. In fact, customers have said many positive things about this kit such as, “It works well for my kayak,” and “Great product at a fair price.”

Of course, with any of the positives that come with a product, you have to expect the drawbacks. Some of the drawbacks include:

  • Very limited warranty

  • Is not suitable for all kayaks

Some customers discovered that the rudder was not meant for their kayak the hard way and have instead opted to modify the rudder in some way to make it work for them. For instance, one customer complained that, “Whoever makes this thing obviously doesn’t know a thing about rudders.” Yet the majority of customers have been relatively happy with the purchase of this rudder and they have been able to make it work with their kayak with no complaints.

2. OCEAN KAYAK RUDDER KIT


Ocean Kayak Rudder Kit – Tridents, ProwlerT’s, P13, PBG, Tetra One…

  • Easy to install, complete with instructions
  • Factory rudder from Ocean Kayak
  • Fits most Ocean Kayak boats model years 2013 and newer

When you are navigating the choppy waters of the ocean, maintaining control over your kayak can mean all the difference between a good situation and a bad one. If you cannot control your kayak properly, you could find yourself stranded on the water and desperate for help. Fortunately, the Ocean Kayak Rudder Kit provides you with the control you need, which gives you a great opportunity of making it back to shore safe and sound.

This specific kit provides you with a number of features and benefits such as:

  • Excellent quality for the price

  • 1-year warranty

  • Durable aluminum material

  • Entire kit with all of the parts necessary to ensure a successful installation

Despite the many benefits this particular rudder kit offers, it does have its drawbacks, which includes:

  • Not made for all kayaks

  • Minor issues with drilling and attaching the kit

Although the price for this rudder kit might not seem as budget-friendly for the budget conscious kayaker, it is well worth the purchase considering how many benefits it provides and the fact that it boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. You can enjoy simple rudder kit installation complete with easy-to-understand instructions or you can opt for a cheaper kit that may translate to more of a headache than it’s worth to install. Customers seem to be relatively pleased with this kit considering that one customer went as far as to say, “As advertised. Love it!”

The cons associated with this rudder are few and far between as it would seem that the installation of this kit is pretty self-explanatory. Despite the fact that one customer was very pleased with the purchase of this kit, the customer did note having some trouble with drilling holes and the size of the grommets that came with the kit. Otherwise, it was described as simple a simple “plug and play” operation.

3. HARMONY RUDDER KIT


Attwood 11940-2 Universal Adjustable Kayak Foot Pegs/Foot Brace with…

  • Foot brace with a lightweight design
  • Trigger lock design allows for easy adjustment
  • Tracks use a universal mounting hole pattern

One reason the Harmony Rudder Kit is such a great choice is because it is made to work with all Wilderness Systems and Perception kayaks deemed rudder ready. You can tell if you own a rudder ready kayak based on the fact that it would have rubber ready post holes on it. Whether you are looking to venture our further into deep waters or you just wish to add more control over your kayaking experience, this rudder kit is sure to do the trick.

This rudder is hard to beat based on the benefits that it provides. You can enjoy the following advantages with this rudder kit:

  • Durable metal rudder that offers strength and quality

  • Use your feet for easier turning and steering

  • Raise or lower the rudder easily with a simple tug of a cord

  • Kit includes all parts necessary for easy installation – Metal rudder, mounting hardware, cords, sliding foot pegs, and BTS rudder system

  • Works with Tsunami and Tarpon kayaks made in 2009 and after that are considered rudder ready

  • 1-year warrant

If you are still unsure about this rudder, take into consideration that it has pleased customers enough to have received a 4.6 out of 5-star rating. Customers seem to agree that it is relatively easy to install based on one customer quoted as saying, “the rudder kit came with surplus parts and that it was easy to install by anyone with minor mechanical abilities.” Another customer simply said, “Awesome product. Easy to install and makes tracking and turning my Wilderness 135Ride easy to turn and tracks great.”

That is not to say that this rudder is without its disadvantages. As with any product, you have to accept the bad and the good as they often go hand-in-hand. The major drawback of this product is:

  • Complicated instructions despite easy installation

For some reason, the instructions make it seem like the installation of this rudder kit is far more complicated than it really is. In fact, one customer said, “I am rating this rudder so low because of the directions it came with. Might as well been written in another language.” Despite the lack of proper instructions, the majority of customers seem relatively happy with this rudder kit and with good reason. The benefits seem to far outweigh the drawbacks associated with this particular kit.

4. CRACK OF DAWN UNIVERSAL KAYAK RUDDER KIT


Crack of Dawn Kayak Rudder with Mounting Kit

  • Easily steer your kayak almost hands free
  • Fits most major brand kayaks
  • Easy to install

You’ll be able to steer your kayak entirely hands-free with this durable kayak rudder kit. It will fit most of the major brands of kayaks with adjustable foot tracks, along with the ability to access the hull near the kayak’s stern. This kit includes all assembly parts, tracking system, and foot pedals.

The following parts are included with this kit:

  • 1 Rudder

  • 1 Rudder Line (14 feet)

  • 2 Rudder Line Clamps

  • 2 Rudder D Shackles (0.6 inches to 0.72 inches hole width)

  • 1 Stainless Steel Eyelet

  • 2 Foot Pegs

  • 2 Foot Pedal Tracks

  • 4 Gromments

  • 2 L-Tubes

  • 4 L-Tube Clamps

  • Various Screws and Bolts

Overall, the comprehensive guide above should help you select a rudder that is best for you based on the type of kayak you have, your budget, and what it is you want and need out of a rudder. Make sure you check out our best kayak sail kits as well

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