Hatchet Retractable Skegs allow you to tune your sea kayak's tracking. Our kayaks track so well that you only need the skeg in very strong crosswinds or in surfing conditions. In gentler waters, you can retract the skeg---or just leave a little of it down---to save drag.
Our kit is meant to be retrofitted to an existing kayak. If you plan on installing the skeg from the start, the kit is fitted near the end of assembly. You'll need a rear hatch for access to the skeg box. The ideal location for the skeg is about halfway between the stern and the aft hatch.
This kit will fit most all-stitch-and-glue or strip-planked kayaks. In the Notes section of your online order, please specify brand, make and model of kayak so that we can select the correct size. Skegs and trunks may be trimmed to fit a variety of deck heights.
The Hatchet Retractable Skeg Kit may be fitted in fiberglass or Kevlar kayaks, but would be tricky to install in a rotomolded kayak. We recommend a rudder for rotomolded kayaks.
Retractable Skeg Kit instructions are online here.
Kit includes marine grade plastic skeg (slightly flexible, for safety in beaching), trunk parts in BS1088 okoume plywood, hardware, line, plans, and instructions. Plans include full-sized patterns for all of the parts.
Retractable skeg kits are STANDARD in Pax 18 and Pax 20 kits.
