: I am looking to build a simple rudder control for my kayaks.

Why, why, why, do people who have built an entire kayak think that pedals are not easier to make?

http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/grantglazer/Kayak/HintsSandyRudderPedal.htm

Probably what is not clear is that the front of the mounting bar goes into a slotted bit of wood glued to the fore bulkhead and the aft end is held by a large nylon bolt (toilet seat bolt) glued to the bottom of the kayak.

The pedal platform is held from sliding along the bar by a length of 25 mm webbing and shown side on is a plastic cam-lock near the aft end of the bar. Strong enough? My partner has gone vertical in her boat, nose into the sand in a breaker - nothing moved. The webbing allows "micro-adjustment". Why do you want to adjust things if only you paddle the kayak? Do you always wear the same thickness soled shoes? I don't - bare feet, shoes etc depending on the weather and type of coast.

Materials - wood plus plastic blocks for hinges, 3 mm SS welding rod hinge pins, webbing strap and an aluminium bar.

E-mail me for more details if you need them.

Alex