where to buy a skeg cable?

Advice
#1

I need to buy a replacement skeg cable for a rm avocet (VCP), and I can’t seem to find an online source. The Valley website does have some parts listed, but not a skeg cable. Any ideas?

Thanks!

#2

not sure if they come long enough
but as a last resort, maybe a bike shop would have brake cable type of material that would work. I couldn’t find a throttle cable for my old snowmobile and had one made up by the local 2 wheeler store.

#3

Contact GRO at
Great River Outfitters

One Phillips Street, North Kingstown, RI 02852

[tel] 401.667.2670

[fax] 401.667.2680

info@grokayaks.com



They are the distributors for Valley Kayaks in NA

#4

We got 'em
at Atlantic Kayak Tours. Google for the website and give a call.



Alan

#5

Rutabaga
They also have them in stock.

#6

Boating stores
Like West Marine or any of them.



It’s the same cable that sail boats use and they carry it on a spool and will cut any length you need. It comes in various widths - bring yours for a match.

#7

how to attach?
at skeg blade? My 3 VCP boats all were bonded directly to the skeg.

#8

thanks!
Soon I bet I’ll be asking: ok, how do I attach this durn thing?

#9

one more tip
get a cable cutter that’s specific for multistrand wire–you can’t cut this stuff with a standard wire cutter.

#10

Much easier to…
…just order a Valley replacement skeg/cable assembly.

#11

Cutting and attaching
If you need to cut the length, you can use a grinding wheel or grinder or mini grinding wheel in a drill. Or just get the boating store to cut it to length for you.



I would first call a Valley dealer or distributor and ask about attaching it to the skeg. (Kayak Center in Wickford, RI)



Personally, I would use epoxy in the cavity. I would roughen up the cable at that point and spread the wire a bit.

#12

Make sure you get 1x19 cable…
…NOT 7x19, which is much too flexible to work in a skeg. Either 3/32" or 1/8" will work, but I’ve found the smaller size to work more smoothly.

#13

Are you sure?
All the VCP skegs I’ve seen have set screws in them that secure the cable. There should be a hole in the edge of the blade that’s drilled at an angle toward the cable.

#14

It’s not easier on your wallet!
Replacing just the cable costs less than ten bucks and can be done in 10-15 minutes.