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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Mercury GTX with answers that may help you. If you don't find the answer here, please feel free to contact us with your question.

My skeg is jammed. How can I free it?

Check the skeg box (the slot the skeg hides in) and remove any pebbles or other debris that could jam the skeg. Next turn the control to slacken the line and then pull the skeg down by hand. If you cannot grip it with your fingers gently use a pair of pliers to do this. Once the skeg is down, flush the skeg box with fresh water. Partially raise the skeg again using the control, then release again. The skeg should drop freely. If not, there may be sand, salt or silt in the opening where the line comes out. 
If this fails to solve your problem, Point65 offers a skeg repair manual that explains how to take apart the skeg for full maintenance.

With the skeg down I still cannot steer the tandem.

The rudder does a reasonable job of steering, but you may need to use some paddle skills too. The back seat paddler should steer by trailing the paddle behind to one side in neutral (blade edge up, face toward the kayak and no pressure on either side of the blade) then either push away from the side of the kayak, or pull toward the side of the kayak to steer. The blade must be near the stern, that is behind your hip.
Steering will be easier if the lighter weight paddler sits in the front, with the heavier one behind. 

My Mercury rudder has broken. How can I fix it?

Point65 offers a Rudder Exchange Manual showing how to take apart and reassemble the complete rudder system. You will need to follow these instructions, replacing any broken parts as needed. Contact us for any parts you do not see for sale on this site.

Can I make expeditions?

Of course. The Mercury has been used to circle the Baltic Sea, and from Alaska to Washington State through the Inland Passage. Although not the best choice for the open Pacific Ocean, the Mercury GTX offers some great advantages when on expedition in more sheltered waters.
For example the roto-molded end sections offer watertight storage units that can be detached before carrying up the beach. If you need to keep your kayak out of sight when away from the beach, store it inside your tent. If you need more carrying capacity than the end compartments offer, simply add a center section and use it for cargo.