Skeg Repair Links and Information

Index of Skeg Repair Links and Videos, by Tom Holtey, Copyright TopKayaker GeoOdyssey 2019

If your skeg system is not lowering and raising smoothly the problem is usually a bent skeg cable. Metal skeg cables are prone to kinking when a kayak is landed on shore with the skeg blade down. This can also happen on shore or in storage when the skeg is down. The skeg blade has no reason to be down when not in deep water. Park the skeg in it's slot when not in use. If the skeg system needs maintenance or inspection make sure the kayak is well supported above the ground. It is impossible to un-kink or un-bend a metal cable. It will have to be replaced.

Two tips for proper use and care (applies to skeg systems with a metal cable):

Number One: Never push the skeg blade back into the skeg slot by hand. Use the control knob at the cockpit. It is however OK to pull a skeg blade out of the slot.

Number Two: Always lift the skeg blade back into the skeg slot when landing, launching and any time that you think you may encounter a shoal or submerged obstacles.

Any of these Skeg Repair Info Links and Video links below can be informative, even if your kayak model is not directly addressed.

Start with Necky Kayak’s How to use rudders and skegs video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISY6LXdVg0A

Some General Info:
https://www.nspn.org/forum/topic/365-tips-and-tricks-for-fixing-rope-skegs/

Confluence (applicable to some Wilderness Systems, Dagger and Perception kayaks):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBclU6mIZCM

Dagger:
https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/skeg-cable-repair-for-pre-2011-model-year-ws-and-dagger-sea-kayaks

Perception and Dagger Skeg INFO:
http://topkayaker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73_138&products_id=954

Perception Expression:
https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/eu/sites/default/files/PK-Europe_Skeg-Cable-Replacement.pdf

Wilderness Systems Pre 2010 skeg repair video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBclU6mIZCM

More Wilderness Systems:
https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/skeg-cable-repair-for-pre-2011-model-year-ws-and-dagger-sea-kayaks-1

WS Aspire Skeg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqpChDkr19E

Confluence Pre-2010 Touring Skeg Kit INFO (applicable to some Wilderness Systems, Dagger and Perception kayaks):
http://topkayaker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73_138&products_id=1463

Remove a seat, gain access to skeg control inside cockpit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXnWvZiX4Z0

Tech Tools for Wilderness Systems seat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf94YmlYpWc

Eddyline Kayaks:
https://eddyline.com/customer-service/care-repair/skeg-repair/#sthash.73nOo4n9.dpbs

Innova Inflatable Kayaks and other IK:
https://inflatablekayaksandpackrafts.com/2010/09/22/kayak-skeg/

Impex:
https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/impex-kayak-skeg-cable-repair-replacement

Jackson Kayaks Rogue skeg slack:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OKGOo-d6Cw

KajakSport:

Skeg slider control, How To Retrofit Kajak Sport Skeg Slider Onto a P&H Kayak.

This Link to a Skeg Discussion contains some related photos and know how.

Full instructions for the Kajaksport skeg system, including how the slider is assembled:
Detailed Kajak Sport Skeg instructions in English:
https://kajaksportfi.r.worldssl.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/KS-Skeg-Pro-Instruction.pdf

Necky:

Classic Necky Skeg Info:
http://topkayaker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73_138&products_id=1708

Go to the Necky Skeg and Rudder Page for basic info.

See the Necky Skeg Video to learn about the Necky Skeg System:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXDGGQImtDk

NDK:

Explorer:
http://connyak.org/cgi-bin/BBS.pl/md/read/id/86902/sbj/skeg-repair-on-ndk-explorer/
http://connyak.org/cgi-bin/BBS.pl/md/read/id/86904/sbj/skeg-repair-on-ndk-explorer/

Kari-Tek:

Kari-Tek Wire Skeg Retrofit: http://support.karitek.co.uk/Kari-Tek%20skeg%20systems/wire_skeg_kit_instr.pdf

Kari-Tek Wire Controlled Skeg: http://support.karitek.co.uk/Kari-Tek%20skeg%20systems/wire_skeg_kit_install.pdf

Kari-Tek Rope Controlled Skeg: http://support.karitek.co.uk/Kari-Tek%20skeg%20systems/rope_skeg_kit_install.pdf

Kari-Tek Skeg Rudder System: http://support.karitek.co.uk/Kari-Tek%20skeg%20systems/skeg_rudder_kit_install.pdf

Kari-Tek Hydro Skeg System: http://support.karitek.co.uk/Kari-Tek%20skeg%20systems/hydro_skeg_kit_install.pdf

P&H (might apply to Venture and Pyranha too):

P&H skeg system maintenance and repair:
https://www.phseakayaks.com/us/kayak-care-and-maintenance.php

The P&H "Kink-Free" Skeg System Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzw_QGRRtG8

Replacement of “low friction skeg line”:
http://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/2009/08/p-cetus-skeg-system.html

P&H info page on skeg system maintenance and repair.
https://web.archive.org/web/20160626234231/http://www.phseakayaks.com/skeg_operation0112v2_print.pdf

Older P&H kayak skeg repair info with multiple imbedded links to more info and photos:
http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk/skeg_repair/art_skeg_repair.htm 

How to retrofit Kajak Sport skeg slide on to a P&H kayak:
http://reenterandroll.com/?p=25

TideRace Sea Kayak Skeg Cable Repair or Replacement:
https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/tiderace-kayaks-skeg-cable-repair-replacement 

Review of the Scudder (a skeg like rudder):
https://seakayakphoto.blogspot.com/2015/10/p-skudder-long-term-test-of-sea-kayak.html

Venture Scudder Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQSQPBddbiI

Valley:

Argonaut:
http://kayakcowgirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-had-short-list-of-repairs-to-make-to.html?m=1

Aquanaut:
http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46267 

Pre 2011:
https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/valley-sea-kayak-skeg-cable-replacement-pre-2011-models 

Post 2011:
https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/valley-sea-kayak-skeg-cable-repair-replacement-for-2011-and-later-models 

Leaking Skeg Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLFVsXEuKdg

More Valley Info: https://jeremyvore.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/sea-kayak-customization-your-new-skeg-or-rudder/

FeatherCraft Universal Kayak Skeg
This discontinued Strap On Skeg was used to improve tracking on almost any touring, recreational or even some white water kayaks. Originally made for folding touring kayaks. Skeg blade was 9.5 in. long, 2.75 in. deep. It came with webbing straps to wrap around the stern of a the kayak. Position the fin aft of the cockpit to aid tracking. The 15mm webbing strap length was approximately 44 inches in circumference. To ensure that the skeg does not slide off; position the straps between and through any deck rigging or fittings. Skeg appears to be buoyant. To fit some recreational kayaks Skeg Strap Extensions would be needed. These extension straps were for wider recreational kayaks. These would extend skeg straps by about 17 inches more in circumference. Double up with two pair for super wide kayaks. 15mm, or 5/8 inch, wide webbing and buckles to match the straps on the Feathercraft Universal Kayak Skeg. Review by Carol D. 5/20/2014. The Universal Skeg and extension straps have improved my kayaking experience and enjoyment. Being a recreational kayaker I had to wait for a day with calm and flat water so that I could feel successful. Now, with the skeg, I can track easily in wind, waves, and current. It makes me happy to feel the kayak respond quickly and track so well.

Any of these information sources can enlighten your knowledge of kayak skeg systems, even if your make and model of kayak is not addressed directly.

See our multi page category of Skeg Parts using this link: http://topkayaker.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=73_138

More tips:

Never land with the skeg blade down. Keep the blade retracted when not in use.

Keep your skeg system clean (flush out sand and grit, look for tiny pebbles jamming the blade).

Use fresh water to rinse away salt deposits from sea water, both outside and inside the kayak. Use and anti-corrosion lubricant on metal components as needed.

Lubricate with a tiny bit of silicone spray (or recommended lubricant) if needed.

A tiny drill hole in the aft lower part of the blade and small pull cord can be added to the skeg blade to make it easy to pull the blade out of the slot if the control knob does not work. When on the water you can ask a buddy to pull the skeg blade out, if you roll to one side. Allays retract (pull up) the skeg blade with the control knob!

Contact us as needed: https://topkayaker.com/index.php?main_page=contact_us

Copyright TopKayaker GeoOdyssey 2019

Ocean Kayak Pro Hatch Information

Ocean Kayak Pro Hatch Information, by Tom Holtey Copyright TopKayaker GeoOdyssey 2019

 

The Pro Hatch cover was used on Ocean Kayak models; Scupper Pro, Caper, Drifter, Prowler 15, Cabo tandem and the Pro SI sit-in-side kayak.

Scupper Pro hatch covers break down into three types, generation 1 to 3. (Not including the original Scupper and Scupper Classic.) They all are the same oval shape, pear or egg shape. I have received some unverified reports of slightly different dimensions over the years.

 

Gen-1: The Scupper Pro kayaks of the 1990s, both two hatch and tank-well models, with or without a rudder option, were out fitted with a fairly deep 1st generation hatch cover. These 1st generation covers had double gaskets (both on the cover and the hatch rim), were black color, with fairly smooth plain surface. 1st generation covers are no longer made. Dimensions of the Pro Hatch Gen-1 are approximately 15 in. at the widest and 24 in. long.

Gen-2: The Scupper Pro kayaks of the 21st century, circa 2002 to 2008, one hatch tank-well models, have a very similar, but shallower hatch cover, also black color and plain smooth surface, but with a single gasket on the hatch rim, we call them 2nd generation. This style of cover is also discontinued. See photo of Pro Hatch Kit below. Dimensions of the Pro Hatch Kit Gen-2 are approximately 14.5 in. at the widest and 24.25 in. long.

Gen-3: The Scupper Pro Classic, introduced 2009, then discontinued the very next year, has a hatch cover that is still much the same shape, but with significant differences; very shallow and very flat, with a single gasket on the hatch rim. The Ocean Kayak logo is prominently embossed. We call it the 3rd generation.  The Pro Classic Hatch Kit 09 is still available, use the link to see it and the details.

Naturally you will want to replace a lost or damaged cover with one as near to the original as possible. A 2nd gen cover was an option for a 1st gen Pro, and might be made to work well with some effort. I would also say that one could use a Gen 1 hatch on a later version kayak too. These hatch covers may come up as a salvage parts here and there.  A 3rd gen cover is currently your only “retail” replacement option for any model year. It will be a difficult fit onto a 1st gen kayak, easier on a 2nd gen. The problem will be in making the gaskets seal properly. My related article; Maintenance Of Large Cargo Hatches will address this issue; however... It is up to you to implement your own approach to the gasket. A leaking hatch cover on rough seas is a safety problem!

If you have a damaged Gen 1 or Gen 2 hatch cover repair it. Take any and all steps necessary to repair it. Do Not throw away any hatch parts until you have successfully sorted out the problem. Fix cracks with WestSystems G-flex Epoxy.

If you have a Scupper Pro Classic, circa 2009, you can add a hatch (where one has not been before) or replace a lost or damaged hatch cover with the Gen 3 Pro Classic Hatch Kit 09.

Gaskets often need replacement. They will fail from age over time. Replace gaskets on older (pre 2001) Gen 1 hatches with a Type B Gasket. Replace gaskets on newer (post 2001) Gen 2 and 3 hatches with Type A Gasket.

Protect your hatch cover from loss! Inspect the Hatch Straps and replace as needed. Always be sure to secure the straps well before car topping.

If you have lost a Gen 1 or 2 hatch cover, or your hatch cover is beyond repair, it may be best to fabricate your own cover. Use this link for some basic info that may be applied: Making a Fiberglass Hatch Mold. The Gen-2 version was best used on Ocean Kayak models circa 2002 and newer. It was also a good option for any year Ocean Kayak that takes this large oval hatch, but only those kayaks that never had a hatch installed before. We have received mixed reports of successful use of the Gen 2 hatch on older model Scupper Pros, and other OK boats, circa 1990s.

The Gen-2 hatch kit shown above contained: 1 large oval hatch cover, 1 Trim-Lok gasket, 2 strap kits and the all needed screws and washers to complete a new hatch installation. Ocean Kayak part number was 07.3011.0000.

My advice is not to attempt a new installation, on an Ocean Kayak, made before 2009 that was intended to take the Pro Hatch Gen-1 or Gen-2, that has never had a hatch before . This means the vast majority of Ocean Kayak one-or-no-hatch Scupper Pro kayaks made during the 1990s right up to 2008. It is best to leave the kayak as is. A botched hatch install job using inappropriate parts will ruin your kayak.

Copyright TopKayaker GeoOdyssey 2019