Rudder cable replacement

[blueswallow]

I have noticed a couple small frey areas on the rudder cables of my senior Necky Swallow and ordered 1/16 316 marine grade stainless Cable to replace them
Now I notice the existing cables are thicker than this.
Will the 1/16 cables be sufficient?
Thanks Kathy

 

[red kite]

As long as it works with the attachments to the hardware on either side, yes, it's ok to replace the 3/32 with 1/16.

(Obviously you don't have to take this repair person's word for it (I usually go through >500ft of 1/16 vs <100ft of 3/32 a year...) but as more unbiased reference: Nimbus and Current Designs kayaks are delivered from the manufacturer with 1/16 cable.)

 

[blueswallow]

As long as it works with the attachments to the hardware on either side, yes, it's ok to replace the 3/32 with 1/16.

(Obviously you don't have to take this repair person's word for it (I usually go through >500ft of 1/16 vs <100ft of 3/32 a year...) but as more unbiased reference: Nimbus and Current Designs kayaks are delivered from the manufacturer with 1/16 cable.)

Great thanks!

 

[Mac50L]

I usually go through >500ft of 1/16 vs <100ft of 3/32 a year...

Are you saying you have to replace your rudder cables a number of times each year?
I might replace a rudder cable every couple of decades and they definitely are not metal (SS).

 

[red kite]

Are you saying you have to replace your rudder cables a number of times each year?
I might replace a rudder cable every couple of decades and they definitely are not metal (SS).

Context... read the bit before the piece that you are picking on?

I'm here to contribute to the community like everybody else, fully aware that I'm toeing the line of inappropriate content by mentioning this here, but apparently you need it spelled out: I repair small human powered craft for a living, people come to me, among many other things, to have their rudder cables (and other bits and pieces) replaced.
If properly rinsed with freshwater, 316 s/s cables last many, many years. I do install spectra cord (or equivalent UHMW products) on request, but don't have a lot of clients that "trust" the according data.


And for the record, I don't own a personal boat that needs 1/16 cable. Or any rudder cable for that matter.

 

[AlphaEcho]

On the subject of spectra cord, I have a guide friend who swears by it. Since I only recently learned that this is an option, I have no direct experience for or against it.

On the subject of stainless steel cables, I have paddled years with kayaks equipped with these. They are most definitely vincible, but the evidence is that they will last with due care and attention. I know people with kayaks over 20 years old, who have never replaced their s/s rudder cables. Perhaps the ocean here is less corrosive than in the Antipodes?

Skeg cables seem to be more susceptible to damage. I base this on my observations of friends with various skeg boats. I might guess at why, but since I've only had a skeg equipped boat myself for 3 years now, I'm content to let that longitudinal study continue.

P.S. - @red kite has worked on my boats (though not on my rudder cables) and I vouch for their service and professionalism.

 

[CPS]

I've got boats with both spectra and stainless steel. The main appeal of spectra is that I don't need crimps, and can instead rely on knots.
It's also less likely to poke my poor delicate fingers than a frayed stainless cable when I change/install them.

 

[red kite]

Poor blueswallow! Sorry for all the thread hyjacking here- I personally had no intentions of ever making this a debate about "the right material for rudder cables". The question was simply whether the cable they have at hand is suitable to replace a thicker gauge and I stand by my original answer to that.


@AlphaEcho Good to see you here, and thanks for the endorsment! And yes, skeg boats, and their cable problems, are a different topic altogether...

@CPS I do carry spectra cord in my "group repair kit" (with the means to get it through the housing if needed) - definitely the easier option for field repairs.

 

[Mac50L]

red kite has now explained why he uses so much wire.

The only rudder line I've had break was a metal one back in the 1980s. Even since then it has been Spectra lines on 6 kayaks and no breakages.

If for some reason it did break (never has) you can always tie it up to fix it.

And yes, I always design for rudders, it simply makes sense. The paddling is to move the kayak, the rudder is for direction adjustment.
This is the same attitude as those who paddle a long way i.e. round Australia, round Alaska, etc. However it does help to design things properly. The worst steering method was using sliding pedals, simply not logical.

 

[drahcir]

A bit OT. Replacing the original skeg wire with the same diameter may be more crucial than for a rudder. I needed to replace a skeg wire and had some narrower diameter wire at hand. Upon replacement, the skeg tended to slip down because of the decreased friction on the wire. A second attempt with the correct diameter wire fixed the problem.

 

[pryaker]

I do carry spectra cord in my "group repair kit" (with the means to get it through the housing if needed) - definitely the easier option for field repairs.

I'm going to extend the thread jacking here (apologies to op) by taking this opportunity to ask a pro; which method do you use? John A (i think it was he) has mentioned cyro gluing a cable lead to the spectra, is that your preferred method?

Oh, and anyone have a source for thin (2mm?) spectra for cable replacements?

 

[CPS]

I've done a few things to help guide spectra line through tubing.

Melting and rolling the end into a point if there minimal obstruction and the tube is just a little rough. Saturating the last inch or so with cyanoacrylate glue and waiting until it hardens to give it a bit more oomph if it's a bit more difficult.

Usually I don't need to do anything to help it through.
If it's really fighting me there is likely some kind of obstruction in the line that should be cleared. A sharp piece of grit on the inside of the tube would likely cause premature wear.

 

[CPS]

Oh, and anyone have a source for thin (2mm?) spectra for cable replacements?

Try calling up a place that sells surf skis, they'll probably have some at hand. I know there's a small spool of 1.7mm spectra tucked away at Western Canoe and Kayak, though I don't know the cost offhand.