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Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
By:Dave Houser
Date: 8/3/2011, 7:22 pm
In Response To: Strip: Terrible Tracking *PIC* (Nick Riccardi)

Adding a fixed skeg to the aft end of a kayak noticeably changes two handling attributes of a kayak. It makes it harder to turn and it reduces weathercocking. If you ever paddle a kayak that weathercocks (or leecocks) in a brisk crosswind you will quickly discover it is unmanageable and exhausting. So if your kayak weathercocks (I am sure it does if it is oversteering), this is what I would do (and have done to mine).

-Round the forward edge of the coaming at the rear of the cockpit as much a possible.
-Move the seat aft as mush as is comfortable to layback for a roll. This should leave about 3 to 4 inches clear between your back and the coaming when seated.
-Test paddle in crosswind to confirm the kayak weathercocks.
-Add a fixed skeg or extension of the keel down.
-Test paddle in crosswind. If it still weathercocks add more skeg or aft keel and test paddle. Repeat if necessary until your kayak leecocks (turns down wind.).
-Cut and file some skeg/keel off, seal with epoxy and test paddle in a crosswind. Repeat until the kayak is wind neutral(does not weathercock or leecock). Then apply final finish.

This will be the best you can do by adding a fixed skeg without doing major alteration to your kayak (such as moving your cockpit aft or adding rocker at the bow).

Messages In This Thread

Strip: Terrible Tracking *PIC*
Nick Riccardi -- 8/1/2011, 5:02 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Glen Smith -- 8/1/2011, 6:08 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Ian Cummins -- 8/1/2011, 6:15 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 8/1/2011, 6:24 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Doug S -- 8/2/2011, 8:59 am
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Ric Moodie -- 8/1/2011, 6:24 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Allan -- 8/1/2011, 6:27 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Mike Bielski -- 8/1/2011, 7:02 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
John Caldeira -- 8/1/2011, 8:28 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Jeff Horton -- 8/1/2011, 10:26 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Robert N Pruden -- 8/2/2011, 5:21 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Dave Houser -- 8/3/2011, 7:22 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Etiennemuller Muller Ireland -- 8/4/2011, 4:54 am
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Dave Houser -- 8/5/2011, 1:18 am
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Bill Hamm -- 8/5/2011, 3:11 am
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Dave Houser -- 8/5/2011, 3:38 pm
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Bill Hamm -- 8/6/2011, 2:49 am
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Etiennemuller Muller Ireland -- 8/6/2011, 4:01 am
Re: Strip: Terrible Tracking
Bill Hamm -- 8/7/2011, 3:03 am