Markforged 3‑D‑Printed Part Revives Lost Kayak Rudder: A Real‑World Success Story

Editor’s Note: Our customer Rob, owner of Superstition Machine Works, shared this remarkable story about how a Markforged 3‑D‑printed part rescued a kayak rudder that had failed. Customer success stories like this inspire us—share yours at printstronger@markforged.com!

Markforged: Hi Eric and Rob, we’re intrigued—tell us what’s going on in these pictures!

Eric: I bought a used kayak last year, and the plastic housing that clamps the stainless‑steel pivot rod for the rudder began to crumble. After a day of paddling a flat‑water river, I hauled the kayak onto the dock, only to find the pivot rod had slipped into the water and was gone. My 15‑year‑old boat had no factory replacement part.

Markforged: Oh no—sounds unrecoverable!

Eric: The rudder is critical for sharp turns in fast‑moving rivers; without it, the kayak behaves like an old Cadillac with a huge turn radius.

Markforged: While we’re talking about the rudder, can you explain why it matters?

Eric: In river paddling, a well‑positioned rudder allows quick, precise maneuvers. My 14‑foot kayak feels like a high‑performance sports car when the rudder is engaged.

Markforged: What steps did you take next?

Eric: I reached out to Rob at Superstition Machine Works. Though he specializes in complex RC truck parts, his expertise in fiber‑reinforced printing made him an ideal collaborator.

Markforged: Rob, can you detail the design and build process?

Rob: Eric initially requested a machined Acetal replacement. I proposed a fiberglass‑reinforced 3‑D‑printed version. Using Autodesk Inventor, I modeled the part around the remaining plastic. The Mark Two machine let me orient the fiber strands to counteract the stresses the pivot rod experiences. The part was printed with its layers in compression, then bolted between two steel plates for maximum strength.

Eric: The fit and finish are spot on, and the part functions flawlessly. While recent flooding in Central Texas has kept me on land, I expect to return to the water soon and will share photos of it in action.

Markforged: Thank you, Eric and Rob—this is a great example of what 3‑D printing can achieve.

Have a success story of your own? Drop us a line at printstronger@markforged.com!