Rudder Mouting and Gel Coat Notes to Prijon Eski Sea Kayak

Question 1:  We do not have a specific cable length for the Eski.  The way the system is you should put the footbrace to the shortest position, pull the nylon webbing strap to the shortest position, then set the cable length so that each pedal is adjusted to the "straight up" position.  This will create the cable lenght you need.  You can set this with the included cable clamps or if you like with a cable crimp as we do to the rear end of the boat.  If you do this you could do the adjusting at the "stern end" of the boat, though you would need to also add a second set of thimbles (as are on the non adjusting end now).  Our system is built to adjust the cable length inside the boat otherwise.

Question 2:  You can attach to position 1 or 2.  #2, the second  one back, is probably best.  We added that when we were retooling to allow a more comfortable range of arc.  Both 1 and 2 do work though.  The rear holes are for the very occassional use of a "tiller stick" to the rudder for either sailing or certain handicapped situations.

Question 3:  I don't have a Eski to check from just now but generally you want to set your pulley close enough to you that you can reach the ropes, but in a position where you won't easily clip your knuckles to it, or scrape on it during a "open water reentry". Also, it should not interfere with your spraydeck application or detachment. I like it "not on the side" of the boat, and not completely on the deck.  Sort of "in the long shadow of" your cockpit.

Question 4: Gel Coat scratches are problematic.  You may try something like a "verathane" or similar urethane varnish.  I think this could bring the color back if the scratches do not go all the way trough the gel coat.  In general Gel Coat in itself is a protective layer to keep the fiberglass itself from being damaged.  Just as water usually hides gel coat scrathes, a varnish can as well.  Varnish is almost a Gel Coat protection for the Gel Coat itself.

There are gel coat repair kits from shops like West Marine that you could try.  Also Epoxy Paints can be matched.  I don't know the specific color but it is normally a pretty "middle yellow" that Prijon uses in their builds.