DIY: Retractable Skeg
As a photographer, I understand the value of the right tool for the job. That does translate well in kayaking. I have a 14.5’ Sea Touring Kayak as well as 9.5’ Fishing Kayak, and they both have their purposes. The fishing kayak has awesome stability, is not too slow, but doesn’t track all that well and the tracking is one of the most important features for shooting photography from a kayak.
For example: If I am paddling then stop, grab my camera and to take a shot ... by the time I'm ready we have spun nearly 180 degrees and I have likely missed my target. Now, I know I could get a different kayak, but being the crafty fiddler that I am, I thought I would try my had at a DYI Retractable Skeg.
Mounting Bracket
Position: Travel and/or Storage
Position: Retracted
Position: Retracted
Position: Deployed
Position: Deployed
Top View
Simple Deck Line Guide.
Side View
Rope Routing
Bungee Routing
Fixed Position
Cotter Pin
DYI: Skeg Parts List
$56.00
9.8
What I liked
- Solid Construction
- Not to big
- Easy to use
- Easy to build
- Tracks True
- Mage of strong composition & steel
What I did not like
- Need a few power tools
where did you obtain the “canoe paddle bracket” for mounting the skeg?
i can modify to suit, as you did.
Lawrence, for some reason Amazon removed a few things from the list. I have them back in including the brackets. Here is the link: https://www.theoutdoorlife.us/azskeg
Chris, thanks for pulling this page together. Its very helpful. It appears the amazon link you provided is no longer good. Can you repost where you purchased the mounting bracket? -Nick
Hi Chris. I am a landscape and nature photographer who uses an Old Town Loon 126 kayak to reach a lot of photogenic spots. Same problem you had — poor tracking. I really like your design here but the Amazon parts list only shows 1 item. I would really like to build something similar for my kayak. Any chance of updating the parts list.. or even just providing a list of parts that I could source myself?
Alternatively, if you wanted to build one I’d consider purchasing off of you.
Thomas, where are you located? I am seeing all 3 items in the Amazon List.
I am going to send you an email directly with each part.
I live in Canada but I can order off of US Amazon and ship to Michigan.
Hey Chris. I like your design (especially the mount bracket) and have implemented it on my kayak, but I am having trouble seeing the bungee routing to keep the skeg down. Can you give me any more detail as to the wrap/configuration? (like where are the ends of the bungee secured?) Thanks.
Amazon wiped out your list again. Please post it in the comments.
I just updated it!
Did anyone ever figure out the bungee routing and where both ends are tied off? Thanks
First as a small knot to the end of your bungee, then separate the main rudder from the mount. There is a cutout/hole on the main wheel that you lay the knotted side of the bungee into. When it is all put back together, the knot holds the bungee in place.
Got it. And I see the other end is tied off through a hole on the side of the rudder mount. Thank you.
I am still not seeing how the bungee goes and also how it flips all the way to the deck for storage. Could you give some more details or maybe another video? I’m making one for my kayak and just cant figure out the bungee routing.
What type of screws did you use, and would rivets work you think?
I used Stainless Steel Pan-Head Sheet Metal Screws like these:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-10-x-1-1-2-in-Stainless-Steel-Pan-Head-Phillips-Drive-Sheet-Metal-Screw-20-Piece-800232/204275051
Chris–I don’t see anything on Amazon?
Amazon had something not right. I deleted the list and recreated it. Please give is a try again.
Amazon did your list in again. Specifically looking for the skeg itself. Can you post a link in the comments and or the whole list please
I have created a different kind of list and added a couple of each item in there – hopefully, this will help!
https://www.theoutdoorlife.us/azskeg
I can’t see the walkthrough video. It just comes up as a thin, black bar when trying to watch on my iPad. Is there a direct link to the video?
Take a look now, and I have updated the player.