Should my kayak have a rudder or a skeg, and what is the difference?
Both devices are designed to help a boat to “track” (to paddle in a straight line and/or stay on course, particularly in the presence of wind, current, following seas, etc.). In determining which is most appropriate, you should consider the design, size and weight of your boat. To some extent, the choice depends on where you will be paddling and on personal preferences. For long journeys over open water a rudder may be more suitable, and for “general” kayaking, a retractable skeg may be best. Most experts agree the choice is a difficult one and discussion usually ends in a tie as to which is best. Both options have pros and cons. A skeg: is dropped down from inside the kayak via a cable. When not deployed, it rests inside the kayak’s rear compartment in a “skeg box”. Because it is inside the kayak when not deployed, an un-deployed skeg will not effect the kayaks performance (where as an un-deployed rudder can catch the wind and effect the boat’s ability to track) but the skeg box will
