The need for a skeg

[Pernicious Atavist]

Okay--this again regards the 16' oystering skiff-style boat i'm building.

Now, basically, a skeg prevents the boat from wanting to spin on it's CLR when a sail is mounted well forward--yes? If we recall, the oystering skiff has a substantial skeg and a relatively large sail mounted in the eyes.

As mine will have (probably) a balanced lug mounted further toward the CLR (and using leeboards), would it require a skeg?

I'm considering adding a shallow (3/4" x 2") keel to lend support to the floor (a keelson would be in the way), I fifure that will help tracking.

Right? Wrong? Otherwise?

Venchka--the cypress is AWESOME! :D

Ed :cool:

[JimD]

I know you already know this but just a reminder.
The lateral resistance is the underwater profile which is made up often in large part by the skeg or keel, or centerboard, etc. Make changes to this stuff and you change where the CLR is which could really mess up the helm under sail if you don't plan things carefully.

[Pernicious Atavist]

yeah, i'm keeping that in mind. the original oystering skiffs had skegs, but they didn't--at least in chappelle's book--use lug sails, which have shorter spars and--i figure--won't spin the boat. i'm trying to avoiding making this thing draw any more than it has to--9" is too much--without wrecking the sailing characteristics

[Venchka]

Originally posted by Pernicious Atavist:


Venchka--the cypress is AWESOME! :D

Ed :cool: I was afraid of that. I didn't need to know that.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[Pernicious Atavist]

and i haven't screwed it uo too much! :rolleyes: