: My query is to do with design rather than building. I paddle/race
: surfskis and am currently building a timber surfski with a
: plywood hull. Being a hard chined boat, it has the sharp/pinched
: keel at the stern and am wondering what effect this might have
: in surf and downwind paddling. Surfskis have a round keel line
: at the stern. i can see the advantage of a defined keel at the
: stern in flatwater paddling but am thinking that when a wave
: hits the back of the boat that it might be be inclined to push
: the back end around causing broaching.
: Any body have any thoughts on this?
: cheers
: The skis will have an understern rudder.

Hi Craig,

The hull your building could it be based on the CLC Pax 20 design? If so you will notice that CLC had a drop down skeg in the plan or kit. Their reasoning had to do with exactly what you describe. I built mine with a rudder, however in a down wind condition the rudder can be out of the water when you are on top of the wave. The Pax acts great on flat water but in bumpy seas the hard chine can grab a bit when waves pass under.
This is just my limited experience in the Pax on rough water.
Clayton Plunkett