Upgrade Your Rudder with a BOLT (Old Town Rudder Systems)

[@ludekbrumovsky6404]

I have installed this and it has tightened up the rudder assembly a lot. Nick, if you’re listening, great product! Thanks.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

This is how the kayak was originally designed. They never should have removed the bolt and replaced it with the pin.

[@ScottMacdonaldfishing]

Just did mine. It took 5 minutes for bolt and improved steering control. Thanks for the instruction and a quality product.

[@jefferybeene6563]

Always refreshing watching someone with actual common sense...I really enjoy watching you put manufacturers to shame...engineers they call themselves..ya right...everything seems to work on paper but nothing like real life experience..appreciate your out take on things..tight lines

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Everything works on paper the first three days!

[@boognish593]

They don’t make more expensive and complicated designs for no reason. I can see right away that creating mor tension at the rudder puts the entire system under greater stress and could lead to cables breaking (likely while your miles out in the ocean). That isn’t something they want to deal with in court probably.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I replied to your other comment as well and the simple answer is you’re wrong.

[@Elephant_Butte_Lake]

This is a fantastic upgrade. I tightened those obnoxious 3/16 adjustment bolts, but the rudder still returns to center as soon as you let go of it. Now it stays exactly where I put it. Thanks, Nick!!

[@ghostface423]

I just received my rudder and bolt will be installing it soon. Can’t wait to see and feel the difference.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Let me know if you have any questions.

[@moretackle1]

I installed this last week and tested it yesterday. Now my steering works as it should have from the factory!

[@DetroitFishigan]

Just installed my transducer mount and rudder bolt 🔩 i got from you and tell Erica she is welcome for the purchase and I appreciate the handwritten thank you note. 🤘🍻🙂. And the handle you make goes with the hummingbird Helix 5, and it matches the yak attack mount, and fits perfectly, it is clutch🙂, so Thanks for making the handle as well Nick.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

We appreciate you ordering!

[@everydayimagination3738]

Thank you Can't wait to get my old town pdl 106 to change it out.

[@Salty80556]

Thanks, another great informative video. I think it is so awesome you are willing to share your knowledge and expertise. Hope to make it back to Florida one day and hook up with you on the water

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Don.

[@mikepogan3527]

Rudder shake was driving me crazy... ordering one right meow thanks dude

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for ordering, Mike.

[@notwaitingtolive]

Probably the best $5 I’ve ever spent. Great solution! Glad I found your channel.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Best $5 you could spend on the kayak in my opinion. Improves the handling drastically. Thanks for watching the videos.

[@collieyak971]

Thank you for all this info mate, I am in Western Australia and the service for my Old Town Predator and Top Water is disgraceful, possibly not due to Old Town but the remoteness of my location (our Capital City Perth is literally the most remote capital city in the world in terms of distance). Any way, all my warranty’s have finished and previously I’ve sent my gear away to Queensland Australia (4000kms away) and I’d loose my gear for 2 months while they repaired it. Your channel will allow me to do it all my self now! Sub’ed mate, cheers champion 👍

[@anxiousbeachbums]

Heck, I don't even own a boat yet and you've got me wanting to buy a new rudder bolt/washer setup. Appreciate the ongoing valuable info in your videos. Currently eyeing the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 (not easy to find a dealer that has them in stock..........Just gotta resolve how to transport it.........probably a roof rack mounted to my Trailblazer's permanent (factory) rack. Just a little uneasy about 70+ mph on the freeway with a 125+ lbs. strapped to my roof).

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The roof racks work well and there are a ton of videos showing how to strap them down without issues.

[@BallisticSamFishing]

Just ordered the upgrades. Got my 120 PDL yesterday and took it out. The knob and tension bolt are not well thought out. Can’t wait to get it swapped!!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for ordering, Sam. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@ericnesbihal5790]

Purchased this, works like a champ!

[@livenhfree]

Excellent. I was wondering why I'd want to replace the pin with the bolt in one of your earlier videos about the several mandatory upgrades to make. Now I know. Yes, it seems ridiculous they wouldn't change that pin out. What's that going to add? LIke 43 cents? Good grief! Thanks for this!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

What’s crazy is the original version of the kayak came with a bolt. Changed it to save that 43 cents haha

[@ESC-AZ88]

Nick, I've been craving a slide out tray under the seat like other Kayaks for my predator 13, do you have anything in the works for that or would you be interested in trying to design and make one? I know the fabric for the under the seat pocket sags down there and it would probably get in the way. How about creating a better rudder to replace the plastic one on the new Kayaks? More study one or one out of metal? Just a thought...

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I like your thoughts Estevan. We have a few projects in work right now and I will toss those on the idea list!

[@pabloarredondo9729]

On you 1 inch front riser you made can you make a 2 inch riser for my old town 106. I’m really interested in getting the seat a lot higher.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You can do it with two sets of the 1” risers. You would need a longer bolt though.

[@saleen12]

How tight should it be? Mine squeals like a big whenever I turn

[@dchennings52]

How do you get the round steering knob off without breaking? . (2020 Sportsman 120 PDL ) replacing rudder bolt and steering knob. Any preference on size of new rudder control knob.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

If you look at the knob from the top you will see three of for openings. You can push a small flat head down into the grooves and pop the top off of the knob. I recommend the short knob. It’s all that’s needed and provides plenty of leverage.

[@jah-h3q]

Thanks for all your information

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@DRKXS]

Do you suggest using liquid thread locker on the bolt?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Not at all. It uses a locking nut.

[@DRKXS]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Right on thank you. Great product and thanks for looking out for all the old town people!

[@Justin-jn3ql]

I still have the metal rudder from the original run. I have some slop in the wire. What video are you talking about with putting in a turnbuckle? Please and thank you. Great videos. Also can you figure how to make the seats adjustable high to low. Haha. Thank you. Keep it up.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I was referring to mentioning adding a turnbuckle system to the metal rudder from the factory. You can cut and re-crimp the wire if there’s to much slop in it.

[@ronnyo]

Hi, I adjusted the nut, great tip 👌I consider to get the new steering handle to my 2018 Predator, Im trolling alot after seatrout here i Norway, and I would like to have a steady course and not adjusting the course the whole time like Im doing now. Will it be beneficial or waste of money?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Ronny, in my opinion it’s a waste of money. Adjusting that nut to your desired preference will make things much easier for you. Another simple adjustment that will keep you going in a straight line: If there’s slack in the rudder cables you can add spacers rudder mount on the rear of the kayak. You will more then likely need to purchase longer screws as well.

[@ronnyo]

Thanks for your reply, saved me some money there :) Im not sure how to mount the rubber spacers to tighten up the cables? I have a little play, it would probably increase after more usage?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It will increase after more usage. If there isn’t much play I wouldn’t worry about it for now. Once the nut is adjusted properly you will be able to go without any issues.

[@ronnyo]

Thank you for your reply 🙂

[@willjunkin732]

Hey I know this video is 2 yrs old but have questions. Are you still selling the same repair? Have you looked into using a chrome allen head bolt easier to hold than a philips head. I have a 4 month old sportsman pdl have found I needed to tighten the cables already due to slop in them.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

We still sell the bolt kit daily. You wont have any issues tightening it down with the Phillips head.

[@dante04srt]

Got mine installed tonight, along with the rudder knob. Just need to wait for this broken foot to heal to try it out. Like everyone else, I was tired of the slop in the rudder. Felt like I was constantly having to adjust it's position and the tension knob was ridiculous. Never the same tension needed from minute to minute. Felt like I was going to break or wear through the plastic.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I hope your foot heals quickly.

[@dante04srt]

@@NavarreKayakFishing thanks, man. Was going to launch my 120 PDL while camping on Sunday and just stepped out of the truck wrong. Heard the snap and knew what happened. Oh, well. I guess it'll be time to work on my paddling. Haha

[@Arcturian1111]

Nice video. Do the newer models need that mod. I just bought a new Sportsman 106 PDL.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes. The newer model comes with the pin.

[@Arcturian1111]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Thanks man. What do u charge shipping for the extra pins for the prop. I'm in NY

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

We currently charge a $5 flat rate.

[@ESC-AZ88]

Old Town needs to put you on the payroll already and on the design team

[@punasurf4697]

I have a Ocean Kayak Malibu pdl that didn't come with the locking steering knob. The rudder constantly moves if I take my hand off of it. I want to be able to let go and go straight. Will this sold that problem? Mahalo

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You can adjust the tension using the bolt and set it just how you want it. It will make the kayak track perfectly.

[@dbsean]

Wouldn’t this wear out the rudder holes? You've replaced a smooth pin with a fully threaded fastener. Wouldn’t a stainless shoulder bolt be a better option?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It does not wear out the hole in the rudder system.

[@dbsean]

@@NavarreKayakFishing thanks for confirming.

[@MrRrvega]

I’m having a hard time running the cable to rise up and down the blade on my Old Town top water kayak. Can you help me figure out how.

[@stevev5849]

Just ordered! Thanks for the info!!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for ordering, Steve.

[@LeftLaneLorell]

Do you ever have issues with the black cord catching on top of the nut?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

During install? I’ve had the cord get in the way when installing the bolt but after they it sits flush and completely out of the way.

[@LeftLaneLorell]

@@NavarreKayakFishing should i tighten it up more to lower it? Afraid to make it too tight

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The bolt should be all the way down and flush with the top bracket. I would take the screw driver put it into the bolt and tap it down.

[@LeftLaneLorell]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Thank you

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Anytime. Let me know if you have any issues.

[@ronaldpayne6905]

Nick. Looking to buy a pedal kayak. Which one would you recommend. Old town sportsman 120 pdl or 12' native titan and why? Thanks

[@ronaldpayne6905]

I am a 280 lb person.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Both are plenty stable/large enough for a 280 lb. person. I would go with the Sportsman and mainly because of the rudder system. I spent a bit of time in a Native years ago and the rudder doesn’t go below the bottom of the kayak. It was a big no for me.

[@johnsamothrakis4621]

Hi Nick another great fix , from you 👍, will this fit a 2019 Predator ? Thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes, sir. It will slide right into place. I’m getting ready to package up your other order later today.

[@johnsamothrakis4621]

Navarre Kayak Fishing | Florida Kayak Fishing send one of those rods, please 👍 will send payment 👍👍

[@Martys_Alliance]

Great video for starters.. let me ask something here. Instead of buying this bolt setup for over 4.00 and who knows how much shipping. Couldn't you just go to the hardware store and upgrade this for like a 1.00 or less? Love the videos though keep it up

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

100%. A stainless steel bolt and hardware is going to cost a bit more though. Long before we made this video I told people to go do exactly that - then it was pointed out that not everyone has access to a hardware store that carries a 4” stainless steel bolt.

[@HarryRomangibaro4]

Will this work on a Sportsman 106 PDL that I will receive from ACK sometime in the future. Thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It will. I recommend using it in its stock configuration a few trips. That allows the plastic to loosen and makes installing the bolt easier.

[@HarryRomangibaro4]

@@NavarreKayakFishing I will order a set. Thanks

[@gibaro4]

I received the bolt upgrade, the rudder but and wrench. They look good, can't wait to install them. Question. Do you have a video on the upgraded steering knob? What is the benefit over the factory steering knob? Do you recommend the 1 in over 2 in seat risers? Harry

[@Balgus_]

Hey Nick, Did they fix this issue with the sportsman PDL?

[@ReelyFlyGuy]

So is this still an issue of Old Town Kayaks? If I tighten the nut of the rudder to make it have better tension, the wires will stretch out? What about your bolt, would that not also stretch it out?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The wires will stretch regardless - that’s why they have an adjustment. The bolt isn’t going to stretch.

[@ukr4ever]

Nice tips, really appreciate it :)

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@XploreAz]

Hey Nick I ordered this bolt from you awhile back and have been out on the water quite a few times now. I've noticed some loud squeaking from the rudder when I turn. Any ideas? Thanks.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I would loosen it just a tad and then snug it back up. I had the issue once and it went away without any adjustments but it sure was annoying.

[@XploreAz]

@@NavarreKayakFishing yeah it’s pretty annoying. I’m blaming not catching any fish last time out on that loud squeaking. Haha. Thanks Nick.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Hahaa.

[@allandam9540]

i just bought a Old town Sport Man 106 PDL. do i also need this Bold for my rudder too?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The bolt makes a huge difference in overall performance of the kayak.

[@Mars-77]

Why don't you have a video showing how to glass bed the PDL drive?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Glass bed the PDL drive?

[@Mars-77]

@@NavarreKayakFishing Yes, I did mine and it makes a huge difference, no more clug, clug, glug, it's totally smooth and glides through the water much easier. And it's much easier on your drive unit.

[@Mars-77]

That constant pounding is what breaks the ring gear weld.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Makes sense. It’s not a common break though in my experience. But if it happens again that’s a smart option.

[@Mars-77]

@@NavarreKayakFishing It's not a break, all Old Town pdl's have the same problem right out of the factory. Maybe you're not understanding what I'm talking about?

[@TampaBayDino]

I see you finally got to this one! Right on. Can't wait to give it a go. How many takes did it take exactly to get this one out? hahahaha

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

A few too many takes!

[@dawncouch358]

Should I change this on my 106MK?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

If the steering gets lose I would. Sometimes I find that my feet aren’t on the steering pedals and it it’s nice being able to track in a straight line with out worrying about my feet.

[@larryrobinson3251]

Nick I would like to contact you about your bolt for your rudder and orange handle for the steering handle..How do I go about ordering preferably on the phone. Thanks Chuck Robinson.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Chuck, you can give us a call at [phone] or send us an email at [e-mail]

[@michaelwchristen]

I M gonna give a call on some things. ​@@NavarreKayakFishing

[@mrb401]

Great upgrade! Hey Nick, is it normal for the rudder handle to stick up a couple inches or so when you fully deploy the rudder? My BW is fairly new and was curious if its normal. Rudder blade is fine, goes down 90degrees. Just the handle that sticks up a little

[@rjl2001]

I picked up a new BW132 yesterday and noticed the same thing. I’ve mostly been a Hobie guy so the Old Town rudder deployment style is new to me. It looks like the lever should lay flat, parallel to the molding along the sides of the kayak.

[@jedediyahaaronyisrael7118]

This was one thing that frustrated me so much on the PDL 120. The current was a bit heavy and the rudder kept turning where I did not want it.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Super simple fix.

[@Willy1216]

Is it a 1/4-20 bolt and how long is it?

[@akdrbowser]

Easy peasy . . . Thanks!

[@Enough_Tumbleweed]

I know you've mentioned the plastic rudder, but if you have a metal rudder could you still at risk for these issues? I have a 2018-19 predator pdl (metal rudder) on the way and would like to go ahead and replace it early on if its needed.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

If you have the metal rudder system then you already have a bolt. You can tighten it as need to adjust the steering tension.

[@Enough_Tumbleweed]

@@NavarreKayakFishing awesome. I thought I remembered you mentioning that but I couldnt recall. I'm excited to get it, it should be arriving early next week! The videos you put are great information!!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@murraywilton4814]

Is it still possible to order the bolt for the rudder and if so how. Thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You can purchase the bolt here - navarrekayakfishing.com/shop/old-town-rudder-bolt/

[@paprman]

I own a 2016 model and don't seem to have the problem? Bought new 5.5 yrs ago.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Prior to 2019 the metal was rudder and came with a bolt. You won’t have the problem.

[@billhudson2196]

Just put the bolt in my new PDL 106. Thanks!

[@jonathanblasher7444]

How do I order this? Link doesn’t take me to the items needed. Thanks.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Here’s the link - navarrekayakfishing.com/shop/old-town-rudder-bolt/

[@jonathanblasher7444]

Awesome, thanks man!

[@onefishwonder3366]

will it fit the topwater as well?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes, sir. The rudder systems are the same.

[@Obxhatman]

Zinc is fine for most things , but for what little cost difference there is , should do stainless on all metal , but damn good fix. Will be doing this in stainless to my 136 autopilot. =) thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

They are all stainless now.

[@3brosthatsk8]

They need to add you to the design staff asap

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

This wasn’t an original idea - when OT first released the Predator PDL it has this bolt. The new design staff changed it to save money. We just took it back to its original configuration.

[@SeaPro360]

Great videos man. Money. Y'all only need to tighten the rudder turnbuckles if they are loose when the weather is hottest and the kayak sitting in the sun. The hull grows a lot and they will be really tight in hot weather if you tighten them when in cool weather and in the shade. I know you know that but just wanted to prevent a mistake. Keep up the great work, we really appreciate it.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@marmuhl]

My second time on the water, exactly what you said happened - knob got caught on my jacket as I was getting out and it snapped like a twig. Oops

[@jelly_fishing]

Does this work on the MK106? In addition, the link states $3.99 website states $5.00. I just placed an order for the risers. Is it too late to add?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It does work. Send me an email and I will get the bolt added to your order.

[@jean-francoispicard7354]

Thank you...great tip

[@stephensodergren1825]

Were going to call you the Kayak Whisperer

[@boognish593]

I’d be willing to bet that the reason they didn’t simply do this from the factory and decided to tension the control knob is to alleviate stress in the cable/hardware assembly and prevent accelerated wear an failure. I’ll keep the tension knob.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You would lose the bet.

[@letun3481]

Sounds like it's a fit problem between a shaft and a rudder bore

[@LaytonMedic]

One of the big reasons I haven't upgraded to the new version. Plastic Rudder, Sloppy hatch closures.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Those were two concerns from the start of the redesign. I still miss the metal rudder.

[@roberttompkins4550]

Dies this work on malibu pedal model

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It does. It’s the first thing I did to mine.

[@thorrooks9040]

This one tip has made me a fan for life. Duh... tighten the nut 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Ha! Thanks for watching.

[@Daniel_Tucker]

✌🏻

[@randycreason3399]

This video is loaded with opinions

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Yes, sir. Tons of opinions. No one has to agree with them and they are based off of my experiences.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Simple solution to an annoying problem. I know the video was opinionated and I may have been a bit harsh. However, it's easier to be blunt than it is to beat around the bush.

[@tcoop616]

Thank you for the great tip. I should have a Sportsman Big Water 132 PDL for me and a Topwater 106 for my wife on the way as soon as they start shipping. What size bolt is that?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

@@tcoop616 the bolt is 1/4" in a diameter. Thanks for watching, Tim. Congratulations on the new kayaks.

[@mattupdegrave4539]

Wasssup

[@pabloarredondo9729]

Going to invent a slide out box under the seat and would like to get it like 2 inches higher in front and 3 inches on the back that would level the seat just right. Please get back to me. If you need to call me I’ll give you my phone number. I have 2 kayaks I use for tournament fishing