JohnAbercrombie
Paddler
I forgot to mention:
If you have to keep with the original setup with line deployment, it makes sense to use a flexible line that just overcomes the spring tension so that there is an pseudo approximate balance. Maybe it's a 1/4 inch bungie, maybe 5/16.
That way you can deploy by overpowering the spring, but have all the kickback a serious hit might need.
Agreed.
There's a LOT of spring tension when the rudder is deployed - necessary if the spring is going to flip the rudder back up on to the deck. And, not a lot of exposed deployment line to allow insertion of a shock cord section.
But that's certainly one tactic to explore.
If it were an old boat, the 'let's experiment' activity would be easier. With a boat that's a couple of months out from the factory, and with the co$t$ what they are today, it's difficult....
Still, rudder swapping isn't a huge deal in my opinion, but it's not my boat!
The line:"WHAT were they thinking??" does keep running through my head...on the part of SmartTrack and also the boat design/manufacture teams.