skegs?

G

Guest

Guest
having contacted the experts regarding my seamaster 23, that wanders all over the place at normal cruising speed, i have been told that a well engineered skeg would probably cure the problem.
unfortunately, although i have heard the term, i dont really know what a skeg is

can one of you experts put me right

thanks
steve
 

lezgar

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A skeg is a keel that help to support the rudder and help in the directional stability.
If you want to see some photo of a skeg in www.virgo-owners.org there are some photos of Virgos out of the water. The skeg is the nearest part to the rudder and is fixed to the hull like the keel.
 
G

Guest

Guest
What about the design of your rudder, is it the right size and balanced .
Are there any problems with slack or worn parts causing this.
Also the prop is it ok and not damaged causing the boat to turn .
Just a few ideas
Mick

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longjohnsilver

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Yours wouldn't happen to have an outdrive would it? If so forget the comments re rudders, outdrive boats are renowned for wandering at low speeds. A skeg should help, already been described below.
 
G

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hi thanks for your comments. yes my boat does have an enfield outdrive, and never having had one before, find that it is a constant steering adjustment, just to keep in a straight line. it appears from everybodys comments ,that this is something you just have to live with.

many thanks nevertheless for your input

steve
 
G

Guest

Guest
You add a section under the cavitation plate to act as an extra rudder, this is done quite allot on boats on the canal system where speeds are low.
Mick

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats
I'm looking for the next one ,ex trawler would be good !!
 

daveheaddon

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Hi Steve.....hope my VERY late reply to this is still useful.

I have a SeaMaster Sailer23 and I have a skeg fitted forward of the rudder. Perhaps uniquely I think I still have the correspondence between the then owner and someone else regarding the pros & cons. I think I also have the original full-scale plans.

Simply, the skeg is a similar length to the rudder, triangular and bolted up into the hull.

This is a late reply but I'm very happy to provide copies if they are still of use?

Cheers
Dave

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