I built the Chesapeake 17 and have paddled it in all kinds of conditions, including 20 knots from the rear quarter. This boat tracks very well. I was even having an easier time with it than the guys I was paddling with who had rudders or skegs. Part of my ease may have been that I learned the proper corrective paddle strokes where as they usually rely on their mechanical devices and don't practice the technique as much.

However, if you think you MIGHT want it, spend the time now in the construction phase and install one. I wouldn't do it so I could get that boat done and get out there and start paddling.

: I am close to putting the deck on my Chesapeake 17 and I am having trouble
: deciding wether to put in a retractable skeg or not which will be much
: easier to do before I put the deck on. I would be interested in hearing
: opinions from people who have paddled with a retractable skeg or the
: Cheasapeake 17 or both. Does this boat track well enough that I won't need
: a skeg or are retractable skegs just a pain? (I don't have a lot of
: experience paddling ocean kayaks).

: Also I have seen two different designs for retractable skegs for stitch and
: glue kayaks one on CLC's web site and one on Ross Leidy's web site. Has
: anybody had either of these designs in the water? Thanks.