Friday, August 8, 2008

"Kink-Free" Skegs by P&H

Last year, P&H launched their new "kink-free" skeg system. The system combines the best of both worlds: the ease of maintenance of a rope skeg with the precise trimming found in cable skegs. Moreover, the system is lightweight and fully field maintainable. While some kayak companies are making things more complicated (pneumatic skegs, for instance), I think the P&H approach of simple solutions for simple problems makes a great deal of sense.

Like anything new, however, there's a bit of a learning curve involved as people learn how the new technology functions. In my travels this summer, I've come across a few paddlers who've said they find the new skeg difficult to deploy. As it turns out, every one of those individuals was engaging the click slider on the skeg the wrong way. As soon as I showed them the correct technique (pushing forward to unlock the slider, not squeezing the trigger!), they were thrilled.

To get the word out, I put together this little video going over the system, how to deploy it, and how to adjust the tension on the skeg. Considering I was able to remove and replace the skeg system with one hand, while filming with my digital camera in the other, I'd say it's pretty easy...even for a guy with two left thumbs like me! Enjoy!


4 comments:

JohnB said...

Great piece Mark!

From what I saw, you are correct in that P&H hit it out of the part, infact looks like a grand salami!!! They've addressed all the skeg issues.

Mark Pecot said...

John,

I agree. I'll be interested to see how the Dyneema cord holds up to saltwater...P&H recommends rinsing the skeg box out with freshwater periodically. Based on what DSM (the manufacturer of Dyneema) has on their website, it should more than be up to the stresses:

"Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™

Dyneema® is a superstrong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited.

Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel. " from http://www.dsm.com/en_US/html/hpf/home_dyneema.htm

Silbs said...

Aha...explains a lot (I have a new Cetus). Well done, mate.

Rod said...

I've been paddling along in my 2010 Cetus HV simply enjoying the skeg system. It just worked beautifully. Now and then I had to use more than usual pressure to move the skeg to its back home position. This usually occurred after paddling for a few hours. I checked my manual and saw wire vs dyneema. What the heck is dyneema I thought.
So, after seeing issues on the 09 skeg system, I stumbled onto H2Ohio and the amazing teaching video by Mark Peco on the skeg system I have. It was totally great to learn about dyneema cords.
Anyone know why I might have the periodic hard to adjust skeg movement as I'm paddling? I'm usually in crystal clear fresh water.