Bonafide Kayaks - SS Series Rudder Install Guide

[@michaelguyer703]

I would offer one tip - Save all of the plastic scraps that are generated by drilling holes. That way if you ever need to repair your hull, you have material that is the same exact color! :-)

[@gunnygunfucius4005]

A couple tips to make it easier... 1. Instead of taping the line to the tubing when running the tubing through the hole try cutting the tubing at a 45 degree angle. It creates a nice sharp tip that easily slips through the hole. Secondly, rather than taping the tubing to the vise grips, just clamp the vice grips to the tubing and then toss it to the back of the kayak. No need for tape. JMHO

[@76rtc]

This rudder kit has been back ordered forever. Still waiting to order mine

[@RyanGoehring]

Did you ever get yours? Went to order one today, and it’s back ordered.

[@jelly_fishing]

Great video - would have liked a better angle from side - but very nice

[@jeffho7383]

This is awesome, can’t wait to install on my SS107!! I saw a previous video by Luther demonstrating the deployment and retrieval of the rudder with little to no noise on either step. Is this the same rudder system or was that a prototype? Is additional padding needed to quietly deploy and retrieve the rudder? Great install video, by the way! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@bonafidefish]

Hi Jeff, we realized after filming the video that our rudder was missing a bumper, so that's why the deployment was so loud in the video.

[@dmax2023]

Does anyone know how many feet of bungee were used on each side to create the tension?

[@ryanmozisek6464]

I have installed my rudder but when I steer, the tension of the steering cables is pulling the steering tube out of their holes

[@sailor144]

I appreciate the video, and look forward to installing mine on my 127. However, I have a couple of concerns: if it is so important to put silicone on both steering cable tubes for a watertight seal, why did you not have tubes for the rudder deploy lines? Water will be entering those holes for sure. Also, will there be any way to have a more positive lock down on the rudder, as it seems water pressure will tend to move the rudder up out of full deployment fairly easily? I guess unless you install a cleat at the deploy knob , the friction on the rudder pivot point can be adjusted by tightening the screw and nut? Lastly, I agree with the previous comment about the rubber stops to deaden the sound of the rudder when deployed or retrieved, hope that was the prototype.

[@RubiconJoey]

The silicone on the tubes helps them stay in place as well as making them watertight. The deployment lines don't have them due to the bungee used to keep tension on the knob. With the bungee on the lines, they simply won't fit into a tube. This rudder was a pre-production unit, the tension on the pivot will be tighter on production units (ie smoother/quieter deployment). We also noticed after filming that the rudder was missing one of the bumpers, which is why it was so noisy.

[@sailor144]

@@RubiconJoey The only mention of bungee, was the blade keeper. I was wondering what was keeping tension on the lift/lower lines. Maybe you could add that segment to the video in the future.

[@sailor144]

@@RubiconJoey Maybe you could make the complete installation instructions available on PDF on the Bonafide website. That way we could have time to review once we place the orders on Friday.

[@Rybay]

im going to have to put blocks on the pedals to steer, i just reach them sitting in the high position at 5'11"

[@RhinoVenturesOutdoors]

Same

[@TNHRocks]

These are available this Friday from the Bonafide website or distributors? Can’t wait to install this on my SS127

[@bonafidefish]

They will be available on Friday on our website. As for our distributors, they should have them by Friday.

[@kevingonfishing6023]

Do I need to take the rudder off when driving on the highway with yak on the roof?

[@WhitchurchFishing1]

great video want to do my SS127 lol

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Man I like those kayaks, both ss models and even the rs117 is a good all around option. Will this rudder system work on the rs117?

[@bonafidefish]

No, but we are working on a solution for the RS117 now.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Thank guys, and good luck

[@bobbyXcore04]

@@bonafidefish any update on the rudder for the rs117?

[@nathanlee7192]

Why isn't a rudder included from factory like a Hobie or Vibe 125? Dafuq.

[@chicagoangler]

What is the total weight I’ll be adding to the 107 with this rudder kit? I’m guessing 5-10lbs? Hopefully way lighter than that. Thanks.

[@adamdaubenspeck5812]

Why will my lift and lower knobs not retract when I use them like in the video? They just lay on the floor of my kayak?

[@bonafidefish]

Did you remove the retention bungee from the internal lines?

[@adamdaubenspeck5812]

@@bonafidefish yes I did by accident...is there a way to retie them on?

[@bretcollman5585]

So do you have new colors for 2020

[@bonafidefish]

We do. There is a new red, yellow, true blue, and a camo. Our tan is being changed slightly and the aqua is getting outfitted with different color accents. The new colors start shipping Nov. 1st.

[@g-wolfoutdoors8150]

I thought the kayak had pre-molded areas for the steering cable guides near the stern. Are those not intended for this install?

[@bonafidefish]

There are two areas near the stern for running steering lines. The wider ones located to the left and right of the stern tankwell are typically used for a Torqeedo or DIY motor install. The location used in this install near the stern handle works better with a rudder.

[@g-wolfoutdoors8150]

@@bonafidefish Awesome! Thanks for clearing that up.

[@jacobacosta210]

When is this rudder going to be in stock?

[@nsmturbo5902]

I just ordered my rudder kit and it will be here in 2 days. What keeps the rudder in the down position? In this video it looks like the rudder will want to rise when traveling in the water.

[@Hookem361]

What keeps the rudder down when traveling in the water?

[@nsmturbo5902]

@@Hookem361 I was concerned about the boyancy of the rudder, but it stays down with zero issues. It's a great kit and well worth the money!

[@jacobacosta210]

How did your install go?

[@nsmturbo5902]

@@jacobacosta210 installation was easy, the instructions are pretty good. I'm no longer using the rudder, I have a trolling motor now.

[@jacobacosta210]

@@nsmturbo5902 sweet, what kind of trolling motor you get? Why buy a rudder when I can save up for a trolling motor.