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Re: Does Guillemot need skeg ???
By:Pete Rudie
Date: 3/4/2001, 1:22 pm
In Response To: Does Guillemot need skeg ??? (Ron Wiebe)

You might try the archives. About 3 years ago there was a lot of discussion about skegs. The G is a very maneuverable boat, and some paddlers really enjoy that. The tradeoff is high demand on paddle skills in beam winds and rough conditions, especially on long crossings. The best of both worlds would be a retractable skeg, but that involves extra complexity, time, and possible leaks, jamming and part failure. Several builders have installed adjustable skegs, and there were several pix posted. I played with several ideas at the time, mocked up a few variations, and then gave it up after talking with the Broze brothers at Mariner Kayaks. They suggested a modest fixed skeg as the lightest and simplest solution. I installed a sacrificial fin about 4 feet long, tapered from 0 to 1" only, and it worked well enough that I didn't change it for 3 years. It's coming off now though, to be replaced by a 0-2" taper and a little extra length. I moved the seat rearward a little to reduce weathercocking too, so we'll see what happens.

: I am just getting ready to tape the hull and deck together on my Guillemot
: 17'.
: Since I have not yet paddled one, I was wondering just how well they tracked.
: I have been paddling a Valley Skerray with a skeg and have gotten used to
: the rocker for tight turns or small lake manuvering, and then use the skeg
: for
: tracking,,,, if I don't use the skeg it is quite hard to control in any wind
: or when tracking is needed. It appears the Guillemot has a little less rocker
: than the skerrey, but maybe it would be a good idea for a skeg in the
: Guillemot?
: Any idea's ??????

Messages In This Thread

Does Guillemot need skeg ???
Ron Wiebe -- 3/3/2001, 11:02 pm
Install the Skeg!!
Todd Fry -- 3/12/2001, 9:11 am
I'd say yes, while its easy to do...
Ed Walshe - DUblin -- 3/5/2001, 5:13 am
Re: Does Guillemot need skeg ???
Dan -- 3/4/2001, 7:23 pm
Re: Does Guillemot need skeg ???
Todd Fry -- 3/4/2001, 1:46 pm
Re: Does Guillemot need skeg ???
Pete Rudie -- 3/4/2001, 1:22 pm
Re: Does Guillemot need skeg ???
Jack -- 3/6/2001, 10:49 am
Re: Does Guillemot need skeg ???
Pete Rudie -- 3/6/2001, 3:31 pm
Re: Does Guillemot need skeg ???
Mike Scarborough -- 3/4/2001, 9:48 am