: Nick and Builders,

: Finishing up my Expedition Single, finally. I have taken it out a few times
: and learned that the wind really wants to turn this boat perpendicular to
: itself. Nearly every paddle stroke is a corrective stroke to counteract
: this. Even light wind has a substantial effect. I know I am not the first
: to build this model, and I can't believe this would be acceptable to
: anyone, so what did you guys do? In my mind, a 19' x 21" kayak should
: not need a rudder or skeg for straight tracking. I built the rounded, low
: profile deck.

: My plan is to add a more pronounced keel at the stern, tapering to nothing
: just behind the cockpit. What little keel is inherent in the design seems
: to be at or above the water surface due to the upswept bow and stern.

: I plan to use this boat on big water camping expeditions. I want to cover a
: lot of water quickly and efficiently.

: What do you think?

: Dave Colant

Hi Dave

I built the Guillemot last year and have tried several boats with rudders or skegs, I opted for the retractable skeg. Figured if I didn't need it it was easier to glass over the slot rather then do a retrofit job. the study drawing look very close so I don't know much stronger the tracking is on the Expedition. Remember that the boat is going to sit lower once loaded up, so that in itself will help. Before I added a permanent fixed skeg I would make a stick on skeg from wood and fiberglass. This approach has been used by several people and allows for fine tuning to get the best size/position.

Hope that helps.

Greg