: Many historic Greenland kayaks had a skeg that was tied on and used
: only when the conditions warranted it. You can still do this if
: you want- here's a modern version of the strap-on type skeg:

: http://www.rollordrown.com/kayak/skeg.html

: But you could also do it a little bit differently and add some sort
: of receiver strip on your hull, and make an add-on skeg like
: these:

:
: http://capefalconkayak.com/The%20modern%20skin%20on%20frame%20kayak.html

: http://kajakkspesialisten.no/e_annet_tips.php

: I think either solution would be better than a drop-down
: rudder-type skeg, and you still wouldn't have to cut a hole in
: your deck, only some screws, or even adhesive sealant if you
: choose. If you've got a solid roll, if you're on the water and
: decide you need it you can even put it bottom-side up and let a
: friend install the add-ons and roll back up.

: m

Hi Mike,

Someone mentioned this awile back, forget who, that in the conditions that you'd need a skeg and then not be bothered by the drag of one, that the straps holding one on also wouldn't make much of any difference. Lots less complex to have a skeg that's strapped in place. Of course it would be a little bit tricky to put it on in the middle of the ocean ;)

I've had the thought for years of making a dagger skeg, much like a daggerboard on a small sailboat, the slot could be much smaller, the foil would be much more efficient and the skeg could be smaller too. Downside is it's not damage resistant, won't fold up if you hit something with it. One nice thing is it's awfully easy to deploy, can have a bungie to push it down and a simple line to lift it, or visa versa. I've never played with it cause I just don't like skegs and rudders, they to me are a crutch for poor paddling skills or bad boat balance.

Bill H.