Rudder On Kayak?

[Subaqua Adinterim]

I sold my 10' sit on top kayak last year and I am presently fishing out of a 12' ultralight hybrid canoe. Looking to buy a super stable 11.5 or 12' sit on top that will be more comfortable. At some point I would like to put a small electric trolling motor on it, as I have seen the videos on you tube with one of these mounted on a 2x6 that is attached to a milk crate behind the seat.

Will a rudder help on this? I want to keep things as simple as possible and if I can get by without the rudder, I'm thinking one less thing to get in the way when loading or to break.

The rudder kit will cost about $170 extra.

Thanks for any advice that can be offered from those with more experience here.

[flyfisher]

if you are going with a trolling motor, I don't see why you would need a rudder unless you are using the motor solely for propulsion and the rudder for steering.

 

As far as without the motor, it is up to you.  I don't have one and haven't really ever thought wow, i need a rudder.  You also mentioned you are getting a super stable boat which to me says that it will track well right out of the box so less need for a rudder.

[MikeinFresno]

the motor has to be steered or the yak has to have a rudder. A rudder also helps in a drift for steering too. I have had paddle yaks without a rudder for a few years now. Always have to put fish rods down to correct heading by using the paddle. I now have a Hobie with pedals and a rudder. I found that the rudder is useful in more often than I thot it would be.

[kikstand454]

Personally I believe putting a motor on a kayak defeats the entire purpose of having one. Why not just get a gheenoe?

Having said that, I wish my kayak had a rudder. Anytime I'm paddling in whitecaps or crosswind, and when there's a breeze and I want to fish a particular path- I find myself wishing I had one.

[J Francho]

You have two completely different topics here: electric motor, rudder. Many electric motors use the rudder system to steer. A rudder helps position a boat when fishing, especially in a breeze or current. I find some boats that do not track well, a rudder is necessary. Other boats with hulls that track don't need one. In most cases, you have to establish the need. Many times "bad tracking" is just bad paddling technique, and the money spent on a rudder should have been spent on a paddling class. As far as putting motors on kayaks, I don't really care, fishing is fishing and I don't have any preconcieved notion of what a "proper fishing boat" should or should not have. I do know that many states require that you register a boat with any kind of powered propulsion, so be aware that there may be some legal hurdles.

[Subaqua Adinterim]

Thanks for the advice. I may do this in stages.

I am in New York, so if I do get a motor of any kind, I believe I need to register it and will do as required.

[Ken l]

Check out Bassyaks.com

[aceman387]

I installed one on my ride 115 during this past winter and i love the thing. I find it really helpful for steering in the wind which frees up my hands for fishing instead of paddling.

[Subaqua Adinterim]

Thanks for the info on the bass yaks set up. I checked out some videos on YouTube to get a better idea of how their system works. Aceman387 how was the bassyaks install and is it sturdy and relatively maintenance free?