The 6 Best Kayak rudder cable kits (2023 reviews)

We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a kit. The borogo kayak rudder cable kit is exactly that - it's a simple kit that hits all the right notes. If you are handy and have an inexpensive kayak, this is the one for you. It's a bicycle chain, loop aound rudder and tie it in the tie spot, run one line over one under run the lines forward to the desired location and tie the bicycle chain (string) closed to pull oneside to fip down the other flips up. The wires run from the blade to your foot brace which are used to control the rudder during paddling. The design of this kayak also doesn't allow for very fast paddling because of the flat bottom.

This product is designed to be used for steering your kayak. It comes with the rudder and about 10ft of rope. It's a continuous line to and from the rudder. The tall thin design is a definite improvement over the short wide sheet of aluminum originally installed. It is made from good material.

Why We Like This:

Great product for gaining more control
Works great and was pretty easy to install
Reasonably functional for a generic rudder kit
Works great as a skeg with a little imagination

Best For water resistant Fit: Wilderness Systems Kayak rudder cable Kit

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The wilderness systems kayak rudder cable kit should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. You can take control of the clutter with the through-hull wiring kit, providing you everything you need to easily route wires from a battery or other electronics from a hatch or pod through your kayak's hull. It comes with one of each size gasket. The rubber inserts actually are split on the side so they slip onto the wire and don't need to be threaded on. It easily installs in minutes when you have the proper tools.

The kit comes with 2 thru hull washers and 6 separate inserts to fit any wiring configuration. There aren't many parts or steps, so they easily can be included. It comes with two glands, along with several inserts for various wire sizes. The fittings also require a relatively flat mounting surface to ensure a proper seal.

Why We Like This:

Very clean setup and worked perfect
Great choice for cable managememt and water tight seal
Makes install and running of cables for electronics easy and clean
Makes a good deal with hull and wires

Best For They: Hobie Kayak rudder cable Kit

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Not everyone likes to purchase kit for their daily purpose, but the hobie kayak rudder cable kit would be an anomoly. This kit has many adapters to fit various cable dimensions. It includes two through hull fittings with a variety of options for different wire sizes, backing nuts, o-rings, and installation instructions. It will work with thinner hulls. It includes everything to install and even a plug cap if you change your mind.

This makes running wires through the hull, easy. This kit is meant to be used on the cables that come from your fish finder.

Why We Like This:

Must have for waterproof thru hull fittings
A must for through hull wiring
Works great for any kayaks not just hobie
Good quality and universal for different wire sizes

Best With most rudder cable Systems: Harmony Kayak rudder cable Kit

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If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory kit, harmony kayak rudder cable kit should be your first option for buying. This footbrace is super easy to install and works really great. It has 3 holes in each for mounting but only supply 2 screws for each side. The main channel in-between the two raised sides is 3/8" wide. The lock is not spring loaded, so they move out of the set pretty easy. It will only take a couple minutes to swap them out. The pedals slide to adjust to different lengths.

It is easy to instal, very high quality material and they can be ajusted to many lengths. It is compatible with most rudder cable systems.

Why We Like This:

Really improves the comfort and stability
Great add-on for an old town guide
Fit perfect, easy install, work well
Easily adjustable yet still sturdy to put a lot of foot pressure on them

Best With Conduit: Perception Kayaks rudder system

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This is the correct rudder kit for the Pescador. The Essence 16.5 has a molded rudder post hole on the stern that is intended to accept the "Long-Pin" rudder blade assembly contained in this kit. The kit comes with everything needed to install on solo kayaks featuring a molded rudder post hole on the stern. It includes guide fittings and screws for the rudder lift-lines but does not include components for the hand steering control.

The kit comes with detailed instructions and all parts needed for installation. The sliding foot brace system allows you to steer with your feet. The kit comes with parts and hardware to accommodate a wide range of models so the instructions show a basic installation for the most typical scenario.

Why We Like This:

Increase the maneuverability and tracking ability of your solo "rudder ready" kayak
Compatible with perception solo kayaks featuring a molded rudder post hole on stern
Delivers what they promise

Best premium: Perception Kayaks Kayak rudder cable Kit

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The look and feel of this kits are consistent with the high quality we're used to from the rest of Perception Kayaks's lineup. Mounted on the stern rear of your kayak, this rudder is designed to work with perception kayak models featuring a molded rudder post hole on the stern. It fits wilderness systems with tarpon and also it is designed to accept the "long-pin" rudder assembly in this kit. It comes with instructions which make putting it together a guessing game. The sliding foot brace system allows you to steer with your feet. It includes detailed instructions and all parts needed for installation.

Why We Like This:

Utilizes spectra cord rudder control cables
Increase the maneuverability and tracking ability of your solo "rudder ready" kayak
Compatible with perception solo kayaks featuring a molded rudder post hole on stern