Rudder on prowler 15? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

rossman · 06-13-2015, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish

So I was looking into getting a rudder , my question is.

How much does it really help? Is it worth having?

I've never used a yak with a rudder so looking for some opinions.

II guess my first question would be, how much have you paddled the prowler without the rudder and what do you feel a rudder would do to enhance that experience. I had Prowler for close to 10 years and found that hull to be the best tracking hull of any I have been on and on a drift, it would drift perfectly down wind. I like to keep things simple and the fewer moving parts the better. And if you buy the Hobie boat anglers argument that they can move around and leave both hands free for fishing and eating, then it would seen that you would need a third hand to handle a rudder on the prowler.. Having said that I have never paddled a kayak with a rudder so I may be missing something important.

driftwood · 06-13-2015, 03:45 PM

A rudder on a kayak helps you track straight on windy days. other than that, they're waste of time on a kayak.

Aznronin · 06-13-2015, 04:03 PM

Rudders for SoCal fishing are a waste of time. They are quite simply just extra weight, and one more thing to snag your line on. Don't do it.

alanw · 06-13-2015, 07:04 PM

I've never paddled a kayak with a rudder, but I think getting one would depend on how your boat tracks and if you do a lot of paddling in the wind.

Since I often go out in the afternoons when the wind picks up, I've occasionally had to paddle on only one side of my kayak for miles just to go in a semi-straight line because of strong wind, and I wish I had a rudder for those times. I'm not sure but I think a rudder may also be able to adjust your drift angle as well.

Fish · 06-13-2015, 08:59 PM

You guys have good points , I guess it really comes down to me trying one out but then again spending over 200 bucks for a rudder eek , that's a nice new rod or reel.

King Saba · 06-13-2015, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish

You guys have good points , I guess it really comes down to me trying one out but then again spending over 200 bucks for a rudder eek , that's a nice new rod or reel.

Maybe take the more inexpensive route and build one?

CheapPelican · 06-13-2015, 11:47 PM

It noticeably cuts down on the turning radius of long yaks which is nice fishing around slips and moored boats. Saves you from having to take an extra stroke on your leeward side when paddling perpendicular to the wind. Can be used as a kelp anchor.

Its a luxury, kinda like having cruise control. You can get from point A to B without it, but if you ever don't have it you'll remember how nice it was when you did. I think they are awesome.

I still have my x13 if you want to borrow it see what difference It makes.

Fish · 06-14-2015, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Saba

Maybe take the more inexpensive route and build one?

like build one with out the turning cables,so its always straight? i could def do that.

06-13-2015, 07:04 PM	#4
alanw Made in U.S.A. Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dana Point Posts: 1,625	I've never paddled a kayak with a rudder, but I think getting one would depend on how your boat tracks and if you do a lot of paddling in the wind. Since I often go out in the afternoons when the wind picks up, I've occasionally had to paddle on only one side of my kayak for miles just to go in a semi-straight line because of strong wind, and I wish I had a rudder for those times. I'm not sure but I think a rudder may also be able to adjust your drift angle as well. __________________ Hobie PA 14 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Jackson Kraken ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu X-Factor ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu Stealth-12 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Its not a spelling B its a fishing B ~yakjoe

06-13-2015, 08:59 PM	#5
Fish Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Riverside CA Posts: 113	You guys have good points , I guess it really comes down to me trying one out but then again spending over 200 bucks for a rudder eek , that's a nice new rod or reel. __________________

06-13-2015, 11:47 PM	#7
CheapPelican Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Too far from the launch. Posts: 443	It noticeably cuts down on the turning radius of long yaks which is nice fishing around slips and moored boats. Saves you from having to take an extra stroke on your leeward side when paddling perpendicular to the wind. Can be used as a kelp anchor. Its a luxury, kinda like having cruise control. You can get from point A to B without it, but if you ever don't have it you'll remember how nice it was when you did. I think they are awesome. I still have my x13 if you want to borrow it see what difference It makes. __________________

06-13-2015, 03:45 PM	#2
driftwood Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SAN DIEGO Posts: 1,086	A rudder on a kayak helps you track straight on windy days. other than that, they're waste of time on a kayak.

06-13-2015, 04:03 PM	#3
Aznronin Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Sfv Posts: 147	Rudders for SoCal fishing are a waste of time. They are quite simply just extra weight, and one more thing to snag your line on. Don't do it.