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You can install the Ruddersafe auxiliary rudder yourself in approximately 20 minutes, without drilling and using a standard spanner. Ruddersafe clamps onto the existing bracket of your outboard motor or Volvo Penta sterndrive. On this page you will find the step-by-step guide and official installation manuals in PDF format for all Ruddersafe types.
20 minutesaverage installation time
No drillingno damage to boat or motor
1 spannerno special tools required
12 languagesmanual as free PDF
Download installation manual (PDF)
Choose the manual for your type: Standard Type (Type 2, 3 and 4 for outboard motors) or Volvo Penta Type (for Volvo Penta 280/290 sterndrives and duoprops).
Important note: tighten brackets by hand
Always tighten the bolts of the Ruddersafe brackets by hand using a standard spanner, never with power tools (no cordless drill or impact driver) and not too tightly. Over-tightening can damage or crack the brackets. Hand-tight is secure enough.
Step-by-step plan: installing Ruddersafe in 5 steps
- Check your typeStandard Type 2 (boats up to 6.5 m), Type 3 (up to 8.5 m) or Type 4 (from 8.5 m), or a Volvo Penta Type for a sterndrive.
- Download the manualChoose the manual in your language above and keep the diagrams at hand.
- Position the bracketsClamp the brackets onto the motor bracket or cavitation plate. No drilling is required anywhere: everything is fastened with the supplied nuts and bolts. Tighten the bolts by hand, never with power tools and not too tightly.
- Attach the rudder bladeMount the rudder blade to the brackets and adjust the spring tension according to the manual. The spring determines when the blades lift up at higher speed.
- Test at low rpmNavigate slowly forwards and in reverse. Your boat will now maintain course; adjust the tension slightly if necessary.
Unsure which type fits your boat? Use our selection guide or view the full Ruddersafe range.
Frequently asked questions about installation
What tools do I need to install Ruddersafe?
Only a standard open-ended spanner or ring spanner. You do not need a drill, special tools, or technical expertise. Installation takes an average of 20 minutes.
How tightly should I tighten the bracket bolts?
By hand, with a standard spanner, until the brackets are firmly secured. Never tighten mechanically (no cordless drill or impact driver) and not too tight: that could damage or crack the brackets. Hand-tight is secure enough.
Do I need to drill holes into my boat or motor?
No. Ruddersafe clamps onto the existing cavitation plate of your outboard motor. No drilling is required into the boat, cavitation plate, or motor.
Can I remove Ruddersafe again, for example for winter storage?
Yes. Ruddersafe can be removed and refitted in a few minutes, without leaving traces or damage.
What if the brackets do not fit my outboard motor?
Contact us before your purchase and provide the make, model, and year of manufacture of your motor. We will check whether Ruddersafe fits and advise you on the correct version.
Is there a separate manual for the Volvo Penta 280/290?
Yes. The Volvo Penta types are installed with a special bracket over the exhaust. A dedicated manual is available for this, which you can download above in twelve languages.
Still have questions about installation?
Our customer service team is happy to help you in Dutch, English, or German, Monday to Thursday from 09:30 to 17:00 (CET). If in doubt, send us a photo of your engine bracket and we will take a look with you.
Contact us