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Smart Track Options Guide

Smart Track have 7 Different models of Rear Rudder Housing, and each kind comes with different mounting options and different rudder blade options making for at least 63 options by my rough count…

How confusing.

But it’s normally a lot simpler Here’s the run down to clear up which one you want

Replacing a broken Smart Track Rudder you have already?

Look for the name on the rudder blade housing and get the same one. Or if that’s not visible look at the shapes. They all come with different versions with different attachments to connect to your kayak which are not shown below (except X2 which has only one option) You will need to choose the Mounting Option as well

The Rudder Models

The Original Model.

Made of extremely rugged and corrosion proof extruded alloy, the parts are machined for precision fit and coated with Teflon® 6061-T6. This version makes it quick to raise and lower the rudder blade, due to an internal leverage-rod. It protects the blade in an upright position when not in use and has adjustable spring tension that keeps the blade down in the water when in use. The rudder blade can be flipped up 180 Degrees out of the water using the uphaul line and is spring loaded. This is the most common version used on sea kayaks, recreational and touring kayaks

Buy this one for Sea kayaks, touring kayaks, recreational kayaks but not racing kayaks or surf skis.

Race

These are made of the same material (all metal) as the Original model but are smaller and lighter designed to fit on Skinny kayaks and Racing skis, The rudder can be flipped out of the water with the included (but optional to install) uphaul line. The Race has an extended tiller so the blade sits further from the pivot (4.25 cm) ideal for skinnier kayaks and skis where the mounting point is further forward.

Ski

These are made of the same material (all metal) as the Original model but are smaller again than the Race and designed to fit on Skinny kayaks and Racing skis. The ski keeps the rudder blade higher out of the water than the race model, and the ski model can be adjusted to 2 different heights so the blade can be shallow or really shallow. The rudder can be flipped out of the water but only by 90 degrees compared to race and original with the included (but optional to install) uphaul line. The Ski also has an extended tiller so the blade sits further from the pivot (4.25 cm) ideal for skinnier kayaks and skis where the mounting point is further forward.

Buy these ones for Racing style kayaks or Skis

X2

This is similar to the Race but uses a hybrid of Plastic and Metal construction. It is only available with a bayonet fitting. The rudder can’t be raised using an uphaul line but is still spring loaded so it isn’t that necessary and keeps your deck clean. Again mainly used on Ski’s and racing kayaks.

Buy This one for Racing kayaks or ski’s

This is a smaller version than the Original but still a lot bigger than the other models. Currently we don’t carry this model as standard but can get it in for you- Typically this is used for rudders using a rear mount that don’t have space for the Original size (short stern height that are also rear mount). In Australia Rear Mounts are less common these days. You can contact us for order details and options.

The Flow is a made mainly of plastic and is a simplified version of the other rudder housings above. It’s quite similar to the Hybrid Foil in finish and appearance (different shape) but will fit the original (standard) Foil Rudder blades.

These models above all use the same rudder blades which are sold separately, and you can choose from 3 sizes Small, Single, and Tandem (Long) .

Hybrid Foil

These are a cheaper option made mainly of plastic (with a metal pin and spring) and come with the rudder blade included (not available separately) The blade is a different shape to the “foil” blades and not compatible. These are sold as a set so although spare parts are available blades are not available separately.

Buy this one if your kayak already has it or for the price.

The Mounting Options

These work like a bit like bayonet fitting on a light globe. There is a short metal pin with a cut out that can be inserted into a blind pivot hole and then rotated. A cut out in the hole allows the rudder to go into the hole and when rotated to an in-use position prevent it from popping out.

Through Mount-

In this case the pin goes all the way through the pivot hole and is secured from underneath with a split ring pin. It comes in two common lengths Mid and Long. The Long pin has 3 holes allowing it to be secured without movement to different size brackets. Mid Pin will suit Wilderness Systems kayaks with a bracket mount Long Pin Suits models with moulded in holes including those from Perception, Dagger and Wilderness Systems kayaks .

These fit onto a mounting bracket on the rear of the kayak there are different brackets  to fit different kayak models and brands. Best suited to kayaks with a vertical, flat section on the stern to fit the bracket. Typical older examples are Epic, Necky and Northwest kayaks but other brands use it too.

If you have a rudder pivot hole located on a flat or stepped down area on the rear deck or what appears to be a bayonet fitting but the rudder pin just pops in and and out when you lift it- no matter how you you rotate the rudder. You may need a set screw with a washer to hold it in place- This is called a top mount and is common on some older models and brands especially from the USA. Most bayonet fittings from smart track will still work for this system with the addition of the screw and washer. Typical examples are Current Designs and Pacific Water Sports

Rudder Blades

The SmartTrack Foil rudder blade is revolutionary in the field of rudders.

It is extremely compact and highly efficient, and FAST.  Using a foil shaped design causes 25% less drag, 32% more turning efficiency, and less turbulence than an ordinary flat aluminium blade.

When not in use, its slim profile also exposes less surface area to crosswind drag.

There are 3 sizes in the standard/Original foil version and 2 sizes in the Hybrid Version. The two blades are not compatible with each others mounts as the hybrid foil uses a different width at the mounting point. The Hybrid blade is also not available separately.

Original Foil Options

The Small blade is typically used on racing Kayaks and Surf/Racing skis that need less blade in the water and results in even lower drag.

Overall Length:  28 cm (11 inches)

Width at widest point:  8.9 cm (3.5 inches)

Single

This is the standard size used by the majority of kayaks including Sea kayaks, Touring and recreational Models

Overall Length:  34.3 cm (13.5 inches)

Width at widest point:  7.6 cm (3 inches)

Tandem

Largest size of their rudder blade specifically aimed at larger kayaks such as tandems. It is also a good choice for high stern kayaks, kayak sailing and some sit-on-tops particularly Fishing or pedal drive kayaks, due to the longer blade length. 

Overall Length:  42 cm (16.5 inches)

Width at widest point:  8.9 cm (3.5 inches)

Hybrid Foil

These are not available as separate blades but there are 2 sizes. Single and Tandem- You need to buy the complete rear assembly available in 3 mounting options, Bayonet, Long Pin and Mid Pin

Overall Length:  47 cm

Width at widest point:  8.82 cm

Overall Length:  54.5 cm

Width at widest point:  10.6 cm

Foot Rest Options

There are 3 Versions of footrest. All these version come as a simple footrest option (without rudder controls for rudder free kayaks) or as rudder (called the Toe Pilot option). Smart Track footbrace with rudder control assembly includes ergonomically designed, two-part foot pedals that are stationary, your feet don’t slide back and forth to steer. The lower half of the pedals is locked in position so you remain in a solid brace at all the times. Steering is accomplished by minute pressure from your toes to the top half of the pedals. Even while seated, in the cockpit pedal position is easily adjusted for different users. Foot rest Pedals cannot be accidentally dislodged and the track is designed prevent sand build-up.

Smart Track’s Performance Models feature rock solid, ergonomically designed foot braces. These braces have rails made from tough, rigid aluminium for extra stiffness. Easily adjusted from inside the cockpit. Ergonomically designed, these foot braces employ super tough aluminium rails for increased rigidity and durability. The two part Toe Pilot foot brace consists of a fixed lower half of pedal to provide solid bracing at all times, and a movable toe piece allows rudder operation.  Steering is accomplished by minute pressure from toes to the top half of the pedals. Feet don’t slide back and forth to steer.  While seated, pedal position is easily adjusted from the cockpit. Pedals cannot be accidentally dislodged.  The track design prevents sand build-up. Performance Model requires you to screw into the underside of the rail and can’t be fitted from the top of the rail i.e from the outside of the kayak or inside the hull in sit on top kayaks.

Recreational Footrest

The two-part Toe Pilot Foot Control consists of a fixed lower half of pedal to provide solid bracing at all times, and a movable toe piece allows rudder operation.  The Recreational has plastic rails, which are less rigid than Performance Rails (aluminium), but are lighter in weight.  They are also at a lower price point making them more affordable for some customers. They can also be fitted to sit on top kayaks or into moulded inserts unlike the performance model.

The Recreational Toe Pilot Foot Controls are often the preferred Foot Control for retrofitting Fishing Kayaks or other Sit-On-Top Kayaks where the rails need to be connected from the boat from the cockpit area to moulded inserts.  (Performance TPFC requires a screw from the outside of the boat, or inside the hull in SOTs, where the Recreational can be attached from either side)

Steering is accomplished by minute pressure from toes to the top half of the pedals. Feet don’t slide back and forth to steer.

While seated, pedal position is easily adjusted from the cockpit. Pedals cannot be accidentally dislodged.

The track design prevents sand build-up.

Transitional Foot Rest

This is half way between the two models with an aluminium rail but not as clean as the performance model WRT to sand build up. We don’t carry this model as a standard item at this time but can get it in on request it’s priced between the recreational and performance models.