[Paddlewise] Adjustable skegs

Hi Peter,

, I just read a trip report on http://www.kayaktrips.net/ where Woddy has an
"Ah Ha!" when he realizes the skeg isn't like  flights on an arrow making it
go in the direction it's pointed, but rather is like a swinging keel on a
sailboat. It's a device used to move the center of lateral resistance aft as
the broadside wind increases and begins pushing you sideways.  Down all the
way makes lots more resistance far aft, likely making the bow swing
down-wind. Up all the way makes less resistance aft, allowing the (assumed)
"weather helm" to point the bow into the wind. However, the exact effect
will depend on how you are loaded and how much the wind has to blow against.
I would think a similar thing could be achieved by raising a small fore &
aft rigged sail from the bow. ("Why do all those kayaks have dorsal fins?"
<G>) So, when running with the wind abeam, there will be a best setting for
the conditions, probably not 0% or 100%.  However, into/downwind I shouldn't
think degree would matter. Then it is flights on an arrow.

As for your second question, I quick search (via Google etc.) turned up the
following. There were many more articles too, mainly boasting how their
product protects from UV. It seemed the damage should be visible as fading
of color and/or changes in the surface fibers.  Have a read and see what you
think.  I suspect the answer is "depends on the protection it has had" will
be your answer.

Best regards,

Carey

PS - No holiday, but BEAUTIFUL weather. Bet there's a lot of gear drying in
garages today.


UV (Ultraviolet Radiation) Effects
UV is a sunlight produced environmental attack of FRP composites. The
synthetic surfacing veil also aids in protecting the composite from UV
degradation, the effect of which is sometimes referred to as "fiber
blooming". MPHusky polyester and vinyl ester also contain a UV inhibitor to
enhance the protestion against sunlight.

There is a large variation in the degree of fading from UV degradation based
on the color selected. While this fading is undesirable, the structural
integrity of the composite will remain unaffected as a surfacing veil is
utilized. Coating with materials such as UV stabilized polyurethane based
paints are very effective in maintaining the color and offer the optimum
long-term protection from UV attack.

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