Classic Cobra Control Cable Kit Instructions

by Tom Holtey © TopKayaker GeoOdyssey 2018 www.topkayaker.com

These instructions are for the Classic Cobra Control Cable Kit, please print or view this page as your instructions for this kit. It applies to older Cobra brand kayaks; Cobra Tourer (not most recent versions), Eliminator and Expedition, circa 1990s and some years into the 21^st century. May also apply to other Cobra kayaks or custom rudder jobs. Read below and use links in blue text below to see what some of the items that I am referring to look like.

Kit Contents:

B = 8 feet Bungee Cord

A = 4 Bungee Cord Hooks

F = 20 feet Utility Cord, 1/8 in.

C = 6 feet 3/4 In. Webbing Strap

D = 2 3/4 inch Super Locks

E = 2 3/4 in.Tri Glides

Probably more than enough, but gives options for multiple configuration patterns discussed below.

Tools Needed: Sharp Scissors, Heat Source (lighter, candle, torch), Screw Driver or Hex Tool, Wrench.

You may need a Rivet Tool.
If needed you can use stainless steel Self Tapping Screws. A dab of Sealant can be used whenever you apply a fitting.

Cobra Rudder Control Cables Install Process: Secure the bungee cord(s) to tension the foot peddles, from one or two Strap Eyes located forward on the deck, to each foot pedal. Use knots or hooks as desired. You can configure this in any way you like. See the photo of the green Tourer below for V pattern, the white Expedition at top for long side pattern and the blue Eliminator to right for short side pattern as examples. Cobra has configured factory rudders in all three of these styles over the years. You might do this in a temporary manner that will allow you re-adjust as needed.

Trim the bungee cord and gently melt ends with a flame. Overhand knots may be simpler and stronger than the Bungee Cord Hooks.

The bungee hooks are easy to use however, slip the collar on the bungee first, insert bungee into hook base, slide collar onto hook base to engage the teeth. I find that channel lock pliers help me with this.

You will next assemble your adjustment straps using 3/4 Inch Web Strap Products. You will trim the strap, melt screw holes, connect the super locks and finish ends with tri-glides. See strap related videos below. Fasten a super lock to each foot pedal, to the outboard edge, with a very short section of web strap doubled over into a loop and screwed to each foot pedal. Two longer sections of strap will be threaded through each super lock. The length should allow for the tallest and shortest paddlers to reposition the foot control cross bar. Finish each strap with a tri-glide to make a small web strap loop on the end. This loop will be used to tie the cordage to with and Over Hand Knot Loop.

Related Strap Videos (ignore the hatch stuff, all principles of working with strap is the same):

Pro Hatch Repair Part 2 of 3 Cutting and sealing strap ends and melting screw holes.

Pro Hatch Repair Part 3 of 3 Working with tri-glides and buckles (applicable to super locks).

Arrange the foot control cords down the right and left sides of the kayak. Slip the end of the foot control cords through the guides as seen on the gunwales in the photo of the green Cobra Tourer Cockpit above. While the guides above are white, they are most often black and located directly next to strap eyes. The path of the control cables, from the feet to the rudder, should be fairly straight without any sharp turns. Strap Eyes can be substituted as guides if needed.

Fasten cords to the wings of the rudder and to the loops on the aft end of the foot control straps. Use metal or plastic Rudder Shackles (if supplied) or tie directly to the wings of the rudder. Shackles are not needed for adjustment straps. See the Cobra Rudder Knot diagram below. Or… You can tie any kind of knot you like. A bowline knot or tight over hand loop knot should do well. Adjust and trim as needed.

Finally test the rudder system on dry land. Sit in the kayak to locate the foot brace bars (reposition as needed) and adjust the foot control straps to custom fit your leg length. The pedals should be tipped slightly aft. Make sure the rudder turns right and left smoothly by using the foot controls. Re-adjust as needed. Be careful about trimming any cords or strap until you have tested. Try to assemble in a temporary manner, until you are quite confident about the final assembly.

When the dry run test is done you are ready for a water trial. Test the kayak on the water, close to shore in calm weather, before you go and depend on the rudder system in more challenging conditions. When you have proven it is fully functional you are ready for all normal kayak conditions.

Use links below for basic how-to info:

Basics of Strap-eyes, Rivets, and Well-nuts

Contact Cobra Kayaks or TopKayaker as needed. Copyright TopKayaker GeoOdyssey 2018