I finished building one for my Guillemot Exp. a couple of months ago, using the directions on Ross L.'s homepage.

Turned out great, and works fine, mechanically speaking, when it is clamped to my workbench. I decided not to install it. Why? Two main reasons - while it theoretically is 'fixable' when installed from the outside of the boat, I have this feeling that somewhere along the line I'll end up with my head in the boat cursing the day I installed it. (Probably irrational.) Secondly, If you do some lengthy camping out of your boat, it limits the size/shape/quantity of gear you can bring along.

I think I'd rather learn to paddle the boat than rely on a skeg. Just my 2 cents.

Oh yeah - one screw up I did that you may want to avoid if you elect to proceed - I used glassed door skins for the sides of the trunk that holds the skeg. These were too thin and gave when I tightened down the pivot bolt. Use a thicker material.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Lars