Stingray 2 rudder?

In addition to the standard rudder, how many other rudders are considered necessary? At least a flatwater? Thanks.

Submitted by wallace on Mon, 05/25/2009 - 3:06pm



What type of rudder is on it now? While there is no absolute NEED for extra rudders having an extra for different conditions can definitely be very useful. I personally have a surfing rudder and a kelp rudder that I use if it's flat or there is kelp and it definitely makes a difference. Where and what sort of conditions do you usually paddle in?


#1 Mon, 05/25/2009 - 7:20pm


Here's an idea: why not ring Outrigger Connection (808 261 8424) and ask their advice.

Surely they would be best to give advice on their canoes than others ...


#2 Mon, 05/25/2009 - 7:49pm


Nothing wrong with the advice given by others. Who knows, we may have already asked that question(s) to OC and know what their answer(s) were.

I asked about the different rudders they have and their advice was that for our paddling conditions here in Hawaii, the only two that they would recommend using or having is either the standard or the NZ (surfing) one. Their logic is that most people tend to paddle on the ocean and both provide enough steering control. No reason to get a weedless (kelp) rudder here in Hawaii unless you intend to only paddle in a canal.

For California/Mainland conditions they recommend the standard and either of the several sized weedless (kelp) rudders that the paddler would be comfortable with using. It all really depends on the experience and or confidence of the paddler to decide.

Only way to know would be to see if any of the OC dealers will allow you to demo the different rudders on their demo canoe before actually buying one for yours. That way you could switch between your current setup and the demo.


#3 Tue, 05/26/2009 - 12:51am


If your waters are weed free then you can pretty much race with any rudder . If your waters have a high probability of floating weeds then you `ll need a good weed rudder .

Weed rudders are not as good for surfing as the long vertical rudders , ie, turning response is more sluggish with weed rudders.

Its` best to have more than one rudder so you can change it out for for best performance .


#4 Tue, 05/26/2009 - 3:23am


Anyone got a photo of a weed rudder?
I am always getting crap in my rudder and forever having to back up to dislodge it.
I didn't realize there was such thing as a weed rudder.....and what does a flat water rudder look like?
Thanks


#5 Tue, 05/26/2009 - 4:21pm


ocpaddler,

Weed/Kelp/Flatwater rudders are usually the same thing as far as I know. Although occasionally flatwater rudders are just any rudder that is much smaller so that it creates less drag. Weed/Kelp rudders are angled or sweptback so that when you hit kelp it slides right off rather than sticks and slows you down, the only tradeoff being the are less effective in big surf as there is less rudder in the water to turn the boat when the tail of you boat is out the water on top of the wave.

Here's a picture of the rudder I have on my Pueo that I use whenever I'm not going out in any surf.

SamboKelpRudder


#6 Tue, 05/26/2009 - 5:25pm


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