RE: [Paddlewise] Skeg Jammers

From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 14:37:23 -0700
Skegjammer Dave said:

> I now have a small cord tied to my skeg and 
> when it jams I have friend pull on the cord to unjam it, this 
> method has worked well and I really have had no complaints.  
> For the record I don't recommend fishing line, it's too hard 
> to find and grip while your boat is on the water.  
> Additionally you should have enough line for someone to get a 
> firm grip.  I also carry a pair of pliers and a knife in my 
> day hatch in case a really nasty jam occurs..................
.......................  
> One thing that rarely gets mentioned is that while rudders 
> fail less often, they can be more catastrophic.  If a cable 
> breaks its possible that you will lose your foot pegs and 
> your ability to brace will be compromised.  I would much 
> rather deal with stern rudders and sweeps than no foot pegs.  
> Skegjammer Dave

Dave,

I absolutely agree with you about the fishing line. My skeg has a loop of
very soft (easy on the fingers) 1/8" cord on it. The loop is just big enough
to comfortably insert an index finger so it can be pulled.

Like you, the thought of losing my pedals, scares me much more than the
thought of losing the skeg. So far the Steve S Skeg Repair Implement (SSRI)
has been all that I need, but I too carry a Leatherman in my emergency bag.
My SSRI is obviously of inferior quality because mine is starting to show
some signs of corrosion after 3 years of exposure to salt water. I guess
it's time to get the old grinding wheel out again.

See ya on the water, and congratulations on yet another successful crossing
to Catalina.

Steve Holtzman
Southern, CA.
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Received on Mon Jun 14 2004 - 14:37:43 PDT

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