After the surf-session yesterday, while cleaning her from sand and salt at home, I discovered 1,5 liter of water in the back compartment. I could not believe that the strapping system (with a lever to reach high tension) of the hatches failed in keeping the compartment dry.
Inspection of the compartment showed that at the spot where the tubes ,containing the rudder-commanding-ropes, passed the bulkhead were three holes through which the water could enter freely into the compartment.
Because the holes are at the topside of the bulkhead the water can only have entered from the cockpit while carrying her in a position that the water in the cockpit reached the holes.
I also unscrewed the hatch on top of the rudder-shaft. The ropes attached to the lever on top of the shaft were slack. And there was also slack between lever and rudder-shaft: the lever cold move for 10-15 degrees before turning the rudder. That's reeling slowing down the rudder-response
When pulling the ropes they stretched which can also slow down the response of the rudder while moving in the water.
In these 3 "defects" I find an explanation for my experiences yesterday.
Things like this are likely to happen with demo-kayaks and I trust it is adjustable.
It is however a lesson to Epic owners: to inspect moving parts in the kayak regularly to be sure not to get surprises at undesirable moments.
So before paddling at sea gain with this 16X, adjustment is necessary as far as it concerns me.
- These adjustments turned out to be very simple indeed:
- The rudder shaft could be fixed by tightening the bolt on top of it
- The ropes could be tightened and I made some better knots. There were some wearing marks on the rope showing that they had been tighter before.
Because of this adjustment the foot-pedals are now in another position from where they are also easier to tough with your feet. Before adjusting I had to stretch my foot completely while lifting my heel from the hull and risking cramps in my calfs.
- Thinking of the missing bolt of the carrying strap I checked the other bolts and the deck-fittings: all of them could be tightened a bit.
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I also fixed the hip-width with 2 blocks of foam in the seat.
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Working at the seat I also discovered that the back-rest is adjustable in height. I adjusted it to the lowest position to make it easier to lay-back and to have more freedom of movement in the seat.
I did not change anything on the ropes itself. Although they stretch, I can imagine that this system of rudder-control could have benefits from a bit of stretching because your feet are in constant touch will paddling: the stretch may be compensate for the rudder moving nervously along with each paddlestroke because of your legs pushing against the footrests. (?)