Roadrunner wrote:
staktup wrote:
I never tried the fins when I had an Oasis (2013 model I believe). Rather than use your second drive a ventral fin (which is more to carry and lose if you don't leash it when going solo), maybe take a stock or larger sailing rudder and bolt it on to a drive well plug to act as sort of a daggerboard in the rear drive?
Gregbenner wrote:
The local dealer had suggested the idea of some sort of rudder bolted to a well plug as well.
The rear drivewell would be a good spot for a daggerboard of you're sailing, but not so good for a skeg. They perform different functions -- Daggerboards are located near the middle of the boat and help the boat pivot (in addition to other duties); skegs are located near the stern and provide directional stability. That's also why, for example, arrows and darts have vanes at the back.
Since staktup reported good results with the skeglets on an Oasis, this may be a good option. With the boat moored, the fact that they stick out past the bottom may not be a factor.
Part of the problem with the rudder as a skeg is line slack. If the directional lines are not taut, the rudder can wiggle and will not hold a heading without constant correction. As it gets cooler this time of year, the boat shrinks slightly and the rudder lines need to be snugged up. The best way to adjust it is to put the rudder down, locked and centered, then remove any slack in the lines. It's quick and easy with a Phillips head screwdriver. You don't need to mess with the up and down lines. Properly set, the rudder does not move unless moved, and the rudder control is held in place by line friction. Once centered, it should hold your boat on course without having to make frequent corrections. You might try this before doing anything more elaborate. I paddle/pedal the Revo 11 and Revo 16 regularly with the rudder appropriately configured and have no problems. Regardless, you will find your rudder performance to be much improved.
RR, you are correct that is shouldn’t matter if the skegs stick out pat the bottom. That’s part of why I like the idea.
However, if tightening the rudder lines could do it, that is even easier. You describe the issue correctly, it just won’t hold a course. Is there possibly a YouTube which shows how to adjust the slack? I’m not real good at verbal instruction. Also, I don’t really have any reasonable way to take it to the dealer, although he might come by after work I suppose. Fortunately they are close to the harbor.,
I really appreciate everyone’s help, I’m really starting to love kayaking