> Ok, my "pin mount" rudder came in today for the Guillemot. Any
> suggestions on how much stern I need to cut off to make it work? Do I need
> to cut off any of the stern? There isn't much clearance between the pin
> and the rudder blade. Should I build a bracket that hangs off the back of
> the kayak or does the pin actually go "into" the kayak?

> So many questions and I feel absolutly ignorant about this. Any detailed
> instuctions or advice you folks can give will be a big help.

> I don't know squat about where it should be mounted or even what some of
> the pieces that came with the kit are for. ("O" rings, long
> bungie, short bungie, long parachute cord, misc screws)

> On a side note, the lockout footbraces from Seaward Kayaks is pretty cool.
> It looks like they whacked off the part where your foot rests on a yakima
> footbrace and welded on their own pivoting footrest. This gives you a firm
> place to brace against, but still be able to control the rudder. They sent
> along yakima rails also, but I think I'll just use my existing rails since
> the new ones are a little longer.

> Thanks in advance,

> Woody

Hi Woody,

Take a look at the pictures below and they should help you with some of the details. You shouldn't have to cut any of the stern to make it work. The rudder pin usually mounts through the deck and into a hardwood mounting block that is epoxied into place. The pin diameter is usually 1/2". The O-ring is used to keep the rudder on the boat.

Hope this helps a bit,

Jason Steeves