Winter kayaking maintenance what do i do?

Question

i for the first time will be kayaking in the winter up here in the boston ma area. i already have my drysuits with my insulating undergarments and other safety gear. but i neglected one aspect of cold water kayaking, what type of maintenance  do i need to perform on the kayak to keep it operating properly in freezing water, in particular what should i do to make sure my rudder along with the cables continues to operate properly rather than freeze up, my kayak does not track well and i need the rudder, im afraid the cold water will cause it to freeze and to malfunction or even break what can i do about this

c_kayak_fun · Accepted Answer

Lubricate the rudder assembly with Boeshield T-9.  You can get it at REI (it's with the bike lubricants) and in some regular marine boating supply shops.  It's a lubricant developed by Boeing for use in aircraft -- it's very weather and salt-water resistant and doesn't harm plastics or rubber. Buy the squeeze bottle rather than the spray can -- runs about $9.  I've used it for 8 years on the frames of my folding kayaks and the rudders of all of my boats to prevent salt-water corrosion.  Good stuff.

Of course, year round you should always wash off the salt water with fresh water after paddling.  In cool weather (or even when I am feeling lazy in the summer) I just go to a coin op car wash and hose the kayaks down right on the car (skip the wax cycle.)

? · Answer

Hello, there is not a great dal you can do, but make sure you have the cable and moving parts greased.

If when is use you feel a restriction of movement do not try to force. It is unlikely that the parts will freeze when on the water.

Winter kayaking maintenance what do i do?

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