Native Rudder Control Handle

The handle you actually steer with. A Propel rudder control handle is the lever beside the seat that swings the rudder, and it fits all Native Propel models.

Why a Propel Rudder Control Handle Breaks

It is the most-used control on the boat. Every course correction goes through it, it lives in full sun, and it takes a sideways load thousands of times a season.

The usual failures are a cracked handle, a worn pivot that has developed play, or a grip that has gone chalky and slippery. None of them are worth tolerating — vague steering makes a boat tiring in a way that is hard to put your finger on until you fix it.

Fitting

It is a simple swap and it fits all Propel models, so there is no fitment puzzle here — unusually, for a boat part.

While you have it off, look at the cable and the linkage. A stiff, corroded or stretched rudder cable is by far the more common cause of a rudder that feels vague, and replacing the handle will not fix it. Give the cable run a shot of corrosion protection, check for kinks, and make sure the blade sits straight with the handle centred.

If the steering is still notchy after both, the problem is usually grit in the rudder pivot at the stern.

About the Boats

The Propel drive appears on the Slayer Propel and Slayer Propel Max, Titan Propel and Titan X Propel, Manta Ray Propel, Ultimate FX Propel and Falcon 11. This handle suits all of them.

Native Watercraft is still trading, under BIG Adventures, so replacement parts for these boats remain available — which is not something you can say for every kayak brand of the same era.

Details

• Native Propel rudder control handle

• Fits all Native Propel models

At our Clearwater shop. Bring the boat and we will fit it at the counter.