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25. Rudder block - modification of the stern for a rudder

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One of the many ways to mount a rudder.

The stern on this kayak was left unfinished because a rudder block was to be attached later. With the kayak leveled, a simple jig helps to draw a vertical cut line.

It takes a leap of faith to rip into a beautiful kayak with a saw like this.
Note the rounded fillet in the stem from the inside fiberglassing.
A lightweight block of wood is glued to the trimmed end and shaped freehand with a plane, disk sander or a beltsander.

When I achieve a rough shape, I switch to an orbital sander to blend the block into the stern.

I found this wood block as a large piece of discarded shipping pallete. I think it may be bubinga (I am not sure) but it is very light and as red as any wood I have ever seen. A piece of the same size and half as nice could be purchased for mere $35 at a local hard wood place.
4oz. cloth reinforces the bond
Fiberglassed rudder block ready to be sanded.

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Vaclav Stejskal
58 Wood Ln.
Acton, MA 01720
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Last page update: 9 May 2024