: Just getting some information prior to building a Night Heron. I
: plan to use the boat in great lakes with rough water. Does
: anyone think a Rudder or Skeg is a good idea. The reason I'm
: asking I was out in very rough water in my 14 foot Perception
: Carolina with following seas(lakes). When the waves were going
: faster than I was I had to fight to keep the thing going
: straight without broaching. It wore me out. I'm sure the Night
: Heron will track better, but if I'm going to add something I'm
: guessing its best to plan it from the start. I see that a lot of
: thermoformed kayaks (like the Hurricane Tracer) has the skeg
: built in (nice slide lever near the cockpit). Is there something
: made like that for wooden boat installation?

: Thanks
: Mike
A third option might be to add a 1/2" to 3/4" high keel for the last couple of feet at the stern. It'll anchor the tail end in the wind but lose it's bite when you lean a turn.