Re: [Paddlewise] skeg plans

Bob Myers wrote:
> 
> "Peter A. Chopelas" wrote:
> } Subject: [Paddlewise] skeg plans
> > Ulli Hoeger asked about skeg materials and I thought I'd add my two cents
> > worth to give everyone something to think about:
> >
> > I would not use aluminum in a skeg and would not have aluminum in the water
> > as either a skeg or a rudder on any kayak because there is some evidence it
> > attracts sharks. [snip]

> This is very weak "evidence" - this sounds like an untested
> hypothesis.
> 
> C'mon, this is as bad as the old "aluminum pots cause Alzheimers"
> idea - it's ridiculous to worry about all the untested or poorly
> tested ideas that come up.[snip]

> For a contrary speculative hypothesis, how about the idea that many
> predatory fish will strike at shiny objects?  That might well account
> for the "antidotal" (anecdotal) strikes at props, rudders, etc.
> Personally, I think this one is far better supported than the Al
> electrolysis idea, but helps to show just how useless this speculation
> is as a guide to action - until someone tests it, it's just
> nothing more than a speculative idea.

Bob, you're just an old curmudgeon <g> ... clearly the idea that aluminum skegs
attract sharks has a useful function:  folks who make money replacing skegs
would love to foster this idea.  (I don't think Peter replaces skegs, so that's
not his motivation.)

BTW, up here, sharks seem to like to bite the body of surfboards -- maybe
they're attracted to polyester resin ... better coat that kayak with epoxy!

<more grinning>

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
older, and more curmudgeonly!
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