Adding a Rudder to a Wilderness Tchaika?

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Adding a Rudder to a Wilderness Tchaika?
Posted by: kayak_bob on Oct-01-12 8:21 PM (EST) Category: Kayaks

-- Last Updated: Oct-05-12 6:47 PM EST --

Greetings All,

Just curious if a rudder can be added to a Wilderness Tchaika? It is one of the first models (built in 94/95). From looking at archived catalogs/material the newer models(starting in 2000?) had a factory rudder option.

//update
It was offered starting in 98'
http://www.wildernesssystems.com/content/wildernesssystems.com/assets/page/archived_catalogs/wildy%201998.pdf

95' first run of them can be seen here:
http://www.wildernesssystems.com/content/wildernesssystems.com/assets/page/archived_catalogs/wildy%201995.pdf

//

If it is possible, not sure how I would stick my arm far enough the stern (through the 8" hatch hole) to use screws/nuts - would have to rivet it in? Would the standard Harmony Wilderness Rudder kit work for this application? On that note, what is the difference between rudder ready and the normal rudder kits by Harmony?

Thanks!

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Table of Contents

Adding a Rudder to a Wilderness Tchaika? - kayak_bob - Oct-01-12 8:21 PM
- Rudder - ppine - Oct-05-12 5:28 PM
  - Don't really want to add one... - kayak_bob - Oct-05-12 6:44 PM

Messages in this Topic

  Rudder
  Posted by: ppine on Oct-05-12 5:28 PM (EST)

Most kayaks that need a rudder come with one. Have you had problems maintaining a course at sea? If you haven't stop thinking about a rudder. Maybe you can work on your technique a little and won't need one. A rudder wil usually not speed up the boat or help the looks either.

  Don't really want to add one...
  Posted by: kayak_bob on Oct-05-12 6:44 PM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Oct-05-12 6:49 PM EST --

Don't really want to add one...but it's the better half's kayak...so her boat, her call....

The original Tchaika did not offer it (95'), but it was offered starting in 98' and was sold until 2003...so it may have been a needed/demanded option for some... ( http://www.wildernesssystems.com/content/wildernesssystems.com/assets/page/archived_catalogs/Wildy%20Boat%20History.pdf )

If anyone has a Tchaika with a rudder, I would be most grateful if you could post or send pictures of it.

Thanks,

Bob

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	Rudder Posted by: ppine on Oct-05-12 5:28 PM (EST)
	Most kayaks that need a rudder come with one. Have you had problems maintaining a course at sea? If you haven't stop thinking about a rudder. Maybe you can work on your technique a little and won't need one. A rudder wil usually not speed up the boat or help the looks either.

	Don't really want to add one... Posted by: kayak_bob on Oct-05-12 6:44 PM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Oct-05-12 6:49 PM EST -- Don't really want to add one...but it's the better half's kayak...so her boat, her call.... The original Tchaika did not offer it (95'), but it was offered starting in 98' and was sold until 2003...so it may have been a needed/demanded option for some... ( http://www.wildernesssystems.com/content/wildernesssystems.com/assets/page/archived_catalogs/Wildy%20Boat%20History.pdf ) If anyone has a Tchaika with a rudder, I would be most grateful if you could post or send pictures of it. Thanks, Bob