Crack of Dawn Rudder problems on my X Factor (Pics inside)

lacofdfireman · #1 10-03-2010, 12:59 PM

Having some issues with my Crack of Dawn Rudder on my X Factor... First off I bought this Kayak used so all this is just observation and I am not sure if this is normal or a problem.. Hopefully someone here can give me some in site to if this is something I need to just take off or if it can be fixed some way so I can continue to use the rudder... The problem is that it seems as though the plastic on the rear of the Kayak where the Rudder mounts to has become soft and flexes, twists and turns... Not sure how to remedy this... Attached is a bunch of photo's and I also have a link to a video showing the movement... If you cannot view the video I could post it on YouTube so you can see. Let me know, cause I don't want to damage the X Factor...

I will try and upload the Video to YouTube and I will put a link on here so you can see what I am talking about...

Siebler · #2 11-28-2010, 03:38 PM

Looks like the plastic is thin but also that the bracket was hit pretty hard as it appears bent and also you can see that it has dug into the kayak some. My guess is the palstic was weakened by an impact.

What I would do is probably weld a small piece of plastic to that area (with holes for rudder inserts) and the reattach everything.

Where are you located?

lacofdfireman · #3 11-28-2010, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siebler

Where are you located?

I live in Tehachapi. Long ways from SD. I contacted Malibu on the matter and they must have a problem with it cause they have a new plate you can install back there with a plate that goes inside the kayak also. You need to drill out a 4" round access hole that they give you a cover for to do all of this. They have an instruction sheet and everything showing how to do it. Problem is I thought the plates they provide are still to small to help if the plastic is actually to thin back there. I can post pics of what they sent me if anyone is interested.

Siebler · #4 12-06-2010, 04:58 PM

the plate will help, we used them on a couple of x-13's when those boats first were being produced.