: Is full extension about 4"?

: I have been leaning away from a cable skeg because I have a Night
: Heron with a lowered rear deck, and I have very limited vertical
: space. I've been looking into a bungee and rope system similar
: to the P&H http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzw_QGRRtG8
: because the rope can run into the skeg box parallel to the hull
: and doesn't need a gentle angle so that the cable doesn't kink.
: I wouldn't use their control box, but the skeg box looks good.

: How would you service your skeg in the event it breaks? Does it
: slip off from the axle? I can't tell from the second photo.

: I don't need much skeg, I don't think. Maybe I should make a baby
: skeg? One that only drops a few inches?

: m
Hi Mike, 
In this photo there is 6" of drop over 10" of length. So about 30 square inches of surface area. 
My current ride, the carbon epoxy Reflection with the white blade in the earlier photo, I made a 2/3 size skeg so yes that is about 4 inches of drop. Which is still more than I use. I can't speak for all kayaks though.
Housing and blade are permanently mounted so far no problems. It would be possible to cut into the axle and to remove and then imbed a new blade with axle into place. Not difficult but probably not a field repair.
On cable height, I follow a 6" radius with a carbon sleeved brake line cable housing attached to the skeg box, so any kayak with 6" of deck height at the skeg location would work. Actually the closer to the 6" the better because the line can follow around the coaming to the skeg controller.
I had not seen the P&H system before. The biggest advantage I can see is for them is on assembly. It appears equally as complex as mine and hasn't addressed the clearance issues. So though I like the creativity and innovation I think mine is still superior.
These control system have been a pet project of mine for years so your thoughts and input are always welcome. I have been brainstorming ideas with the Hurricane riders for some twin and tri fin systems, also I have played with some pneumatic actuators that could simplify cable routing etc.
My address at hotmail is reglake
Hope this is helpful.

Best,
Reg