RE: [Paddlewise] skeg ups

Nick Wrote:

> >I can't agree with this.  A skeg is a device for adjusting the center of
> >lateral resistance of a boat whereas a rudder is a device for causing
> >the boat to turn relative to the water.  They serve differrent purposes.

Then Alex said:

> They set out to achieve the same result in slightly different ways, that
> is, change the handling of the kayak. The rudder straight ahead obviously
> changes the centre of lateral resistance (like a skeg set further aft) AND
> also can be used to cause the kayak to turn.
>
> Two jobs - one device?

I'm not arguing, just trying to match what is being discussed with my
(limited) experience with skegs and rudders:

I agree the rudder changes the lateral resistance, but it's more like a
switch, on or off. (In the water or out)

Both a rudder and skeg are designed to help you hold a given course. I've
been taught that a rudder is not for turning and the kayak should still be
leaned to help turn even with a rudder.

A rudder helps hold course by applying a turning force that holds you in the
direction you want to go. (I know, crappy description. Someone can explain
this better than me)

A skeg helps hold course by controlling at what angle (to the wind) the bow
and stern reach equilibrium and slip sideways at equal speeds. Retracted, a
skegged boat should turn into the wind (the stern initially slips faster
than the bow until it is pointed into the wind). As the skeg is deployed,
the stern  slips less, and the bow turns into the wind less before it
reaches equilibrium. Continuing to deploy the skeg further will find the bow
and stern at right angles to the wind (the bow and stern now have equal
lateral resistance). Fully deploying the skeg should have the stern more
laterally resistant and the bow is now downwind of the stern.

So, a rudder helps you hold course by applying a turning force to counteract
the turning force of the wind. And a skeg helps you hold course by
controlling the amount of lateral drag difference between your bow and
stern.

Is this description somewhat correct?

Woody

P.S. Yeah, I still use my rudder to turn my kayak, but I try not to as the
turning radius is very large when just using the rudder.


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