This is my experience installing the Bonafide SS Rudder Kit onto my SS127. Hopefully some of you will find it useful. It's lengthy, but I tried to spend some time on some of the areas where I wasn't sure about from Bonafide's video. I took the boat out this morning. It was pretty windy, but the rudder performed well. Definitely an improvement in tracking over the flex wings. Even though I'm only 5'10", I was able to get full throw of the rudder with the footrests.
I know this is an older video, however, just installed my rudder kit and I wanted to note that the rudder actually comes with its own cotter pin setup for when the rudder is in the stored position. You just have to disconnect the rubber pin stop from the port side of the rudder. Pull out the pin and insert through the upper guide holes in the rudder and base, reattach rubber pin stop. Hope this makes sense.
Good luck! It's been a few years since I installed it, so I'd probably need to watch it again myself lol! I've really enjoyed having the rudder. The back end of the SS127 moved around so bad in the wind without it, it was not enjoyable.
Thanks for the great video. I just finished installing my rudder. The rudder peddle spool screws that came with my kit have 2 longer and 2 short screws. No more problem with bottoming out. Just be sure to put them in the right bosses. Also learned from your issue with the steering guide tube. Before I made the final cut I blew thru the tube. figured if air could pass there was no kink. Everything works great and hoping to dial in the steering on the water tomorrow. Also, I'm 6' and when the seat is in the high position I'm actually more comfortable bracing my feet on the flats in front of the seat rails. Pretty sure I'd be looking up at the guy that has to run those peddles all the way out. lol Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful. I agree, I'm much more comfortable with my feet on the flats. I often wonder if I'd be happier locking the footrests with the rudder centered, but I do like being able to adjust for wind.
Awesome video! I have an SS127 & I’ve been wanting to buy this rudder for it. The flex wings are not doing it for me. Thanks again for your informative video!
Thanks for watching! The flex wings were ok for awhile, but one of mine lost its rigidity because I store the kayak on its side. The wing on the starboard side ended up just hanging down and creating drag. The rudder takes care of everything.
Question? I received my rudder kit & I’m at the lower/lift knob. What is the 12” bunge cord that was with the line assembly used for. I’m think I missed something ..
@@adamfuentes3761 Sorry I'm just now seeing this. I hoped you figured it out. The only bungee cords that I recall were in there to allow the lower/lift knobs to "retract" back against the hull. I recall the directions talking about a long end or short end, but I could not tell the difference.
@@RhinoVenturesOutdoors well, you can get the foot braces one 1 slot away from the beginning of the track. However when i push it forward i cant reach them completely if i am sit all the way. I have to he on the edge on the edge of the chair on high position to be able to comfortably move the rudder. The foot braces Needs space to go up and down to move rhe rudder....Any suggestions?
G bass fishing, I wonder if you were able to resolve this? I am only 5'6" and I can barely reach the foot pedals with the seat in the low position, let alone in the high position.
Great technical content and I appreciate the tips that you gave. One more, if I may - Save the plastic scraps that you get from drilling holes. That way you have material of the same exact color and content if you ever need to repair your hull.
That is a great tip. With my previous kayaks, there were actually some pretty large pieces left in the hull from holes drilled at the factory. I hung onto those, but haven't needed them, thank goodness.
You referred to your raising and lowering lines as bungees around the 34:00 mark. However, my ss series rudder lowering lines are not bungee and I cannot get them to both sit flush like yours are, even though I followed the instructions and video correctly. Are your lines bungee and do they have stretch?
They both have bungees tied into the middle of them which makes them retract back to the flush position. I had to retie the knots for the knobs a few times to get them correct.
I know that rudder on my outback makes a huge difference in tracking, but it's not really designed to be used much without the rudder anyway. That looked a bit labor intensive, but it always looks hard the first time, huh?😂👍💯
This is my experience installing the Bonafide SS Rudder Kit onto my SS127. Hopefully some of you will find it useful. It's lengthy, but I tried to spend some time on some of the areas where I wasn't sure about from Bonafide's video. I took the boat out this morning. It was pretty windy, but the rudder performed well. Definitely an improvement in tracking over the flex wings. Even though I'm only 5'10", I was able to get full throw of the rudder with the footrests.
Thanks for the video it really helps the everyday person do the install. You showed us the things you may encounter!!! Excellent video!!!
You are welcome!
I know this is an older video, however, just installed my rudder kit and I wanted to note that the rudder actually comes with its own cotter pin setup for when the rudder is in the stored position. You just have to disconnect the rubber pin stop from the port side of the rudder. Pull out the pin and insert through the upper guide holes in the rudder and base, reattach rubber pin stop. Hope this makes sense.
Thanks for the tip!
Getting ready to do my ss127. Thank the good lord someone like you done this video. You need paid for this lol. Thanks
Good luck! It's been a few years since I installed it, so I'd probably need to watch it again myself lol! I've really enjoyed having the rudder. The back end of the SS127 moved around so bad in the wind without it, it was not enjoyable.
Thanks for the great video. I just finished installing my rudder. The rudder peddle spool screws that came with my kit have 2 longer and 2 short screws. No more problem with bottoming out. Just be sure to put them in the right bosses. Also learned from your issue with the steering guide tube. Before I made the final cut I blew thru the tube. figured if air could pass there was no kink. Everything works great and hoping to dial in the steering on the water tomorrow.
Also, I'm 6' and when the seat is in the high position I'm actually more comfortable bracing my feet on the flats in front of the seat rails. Pretty sure I'd be looking up at the guy that has to run those peddles all the way out. lol
Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful. I agree, I'm much more comfortable with my feet on the flats. I often wonder if I'd be happier locking the footrests with the rudder centered, but I do like being able to adjust for wind.
Awesome addition man! That was funny at the beginning. Glasses, coffee, patience and curse words! Love it! Cool video!!
Awesome video! I have an SS127 & I’ve been wanting to buy this rudder for it. The flex wings are not doing it for me. Thanks again for your informative video!
Thanks for watching! The flex wings were ok for awhile, but one of mine lost its rigidity because I store the kayak on its side. The wing on the starboard side ended up just hanging down and creating drag. The rudder takes care of everything.
Question?
I received my rudder kit & I’m at the lower/lift knob. What is the 12” bunge cord that was with the line assembly used for. I’m think I missed something ..
@@adamfuentes3761 Sorry I'm just now seeing this. I hoped you figured it out. The only bungee cords that I recall were in there to allow the lower/lift knobs to "retract" back against the hull. I recall the directions talking about a long end or short end, but I could not tell the difference.
Anyone else experiencing problems with the foot braces ? I cant reach them.. 🤦🏻♂️
I'm 5'10" and can just reach them if they're as close as I can get them to my seat. I can get full throw on the rudder with my toes.
@@RhinoVenturesOutdoors well, you can get the foot braces one 1 slot away from the beginning of the track. However when i push it forward i cant reach them completely if i am sit all the way. I have to he on the edge on the edge of the chair on high position to be able to comfortably move the rudder. The foot braces
Needs space to go up and down to move rhe rudder....Any suggestions?
Check out the Bonafide Kayaks Owners page on FB. I think there are some folks on there who have built up the foot pegs somehow to help with this.
G bass fishing, I wonder if you were able to resolve this? I am only 5'6" and I can barely reach the foot pedals with the seat in the low position, let alone in the high position.
Excellent tutorial, far more instructive than Bonafide's own video. And my compliments on the colour scheme of your Bonafide. Your own wood trimming?
Glad it was helpful! No wood, just the old Woodsman color scheme that came from Bonafide. Thanks for watching!
Great technical content and I appreciate the tips that you gave. One more, if I may - Save the plastic scraps that you get from drilling holes. That way you have material of the same exact color and content if you ever need to repair your hull.
That is a great tip. With my previous kayaks, there were actually some pretty large pieces left in the hull from holes drilled at the factory. I hung onto those, but haven't needed them, thank goodness.
You referred to your raising and lowering lines as bungees around the 34:00 mark. However, my ss series rudder lowering lines are not bungee and I cannot get them to both sit flush like yours are, even though I followed the instructions and video correctly. Are your lines bungee and do they have stretch?
They both have bungees tied into the middle of them which makes them retract back to the flush position. I had to retie the knots for the knobs a few times to get them correct.
I know that rudder on my outback makes a huge difference in tracking, but it's not really designed to be used much without the rudder anyway. That looked a bit labor intensive, but it always looks hard the first time, huh?😂👍💯
That was a lot of work. I am sure it was worth the effort.