If you’ve been paddling for a while, then you very well know that strong and heavy winds could very well cause your kayak to go off-track in the water. As a paddler, you do not exactly want to fight nature’s fury, but would rather want to paddle straight. While you can prepare your kayak in many ways to combat this such as distribute the weight or go for specific types of kayaks but have you considered the skeg? A skeg is a detachable blade that helps the kayak track straight and that too safely and accurately. The best inflatable kayak skegs, including those mounted using marine glue, connect your kayak to deeper and more stable water, thus reducing the effect of external factors.
What’s more, the skeg can even be raised inside the kayak without any problem, especially when there’s no need to use it. Since not all kayaks have in-built skegs, it’s best to look for them too while you go kayak shopping. To that end, here are the 13 best kayak skegs for both inflatable and non-inflatable boats, including those secure by marine glue.
How To Choose The Best Kayak Skegs?
Basically, the more the skeg is lowered into the water or the longer it is, the more its effect is on the kayak’s tracking abilities. You need to choose kayaking skegs just as carefully you’d do other accessories such as the Best Kayaking Scupper Plugs, the Best Kayaking Sails, or the Best Kayaking Paddle Floats.
Do you need a rudder instead of a skeg? Here are the Best Kayaking Rudders.
Types
Basically, skegs are either adjustable or fixed and are usually fitted under the stern. Hence, they remain in contact with the water even when the water is rough. Fixed skegs are permanently mounted into a holder or connected to your kayak’s hull from where they’re dropped into special slots or can be removed. Adjustable skegs, on the other hand, are small-sized sliding kinds that are located near the cockpit. From here, you can easily control how far they fall beneath the skeg box into the waters. In rough or windy conditions, drop the skeg further down.
Materials
Skegs should neither be too flexible or extremely rigid. Most skegs are made from either PVC or rubber. But, regardless of what material they’re made of, they must be both waterproof and durable.
Functionality
There are several factors you need to look for when looking at the skeg’s functionality. Usually, skegs are either cable-controlled or rope-controlled and can be either fixed or removable. Of them both, removable skegs offer more flexibility since you can remove them whenever you don’t need them. What’s more, they should also be easy to attach. So, ensure that the kayak skeg on your inflatable or hardshell kayak has the right kind of glue such as marine glue to prevent the skeg from falling off. If you’re kayaking in rough whitewater or in surf zones, then a skeg is important.
Shape
Finally, you need to consider the shape of the skegs, which is important for their pivoting and balancing effect. That’s why the shape of the skeg is so important, as it’s what determines how well the skeg pivots.
How do skegs affect kayaks?
Skegs might look like small little things that don’t have an affect on tracking, but they affect a kayak’s movement hugely. For instance, skegs that are fully deployed can cause your boat to head downwind. What’s more, if the skeg is lowered midway between its closure and the longest that it can be, they tend to make the boats turn crosswind. Finally, if a skeg is fully raised, that is it isn’t deployed, they greatly increase the maneuverability of a boat by turning them upwind. While skegs are similar to rudders, they don’t pivot sideways.
Lanyar Kayak Skeg
13
The Lanyar Kayak Skeg works well on most boats, including inflatable ones. Made from robust and tough PVC, the skeg can take a beating even in the toughest of marine conditions. The product features a smooth base that mounts directly to your hull’s underside, and it’s best to do so using a powerful marine sealant. Plus, you need to see the shape of the hull and decide where exactly to place it. In that case, you might just need to have some hot water handy to help you mold the base for fitting it. Once the mount is in place, this removable skeg can easily be secured into the right position using two pins. If you have a flat-bottomed kayak, then you’re really going to see a positive effect on your tracking.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Removable.
Cons:
- Can be slightly challenging to mount.
MAYMII Kayak Skeg
12
One of the most popular skegs is the MAYMII Kayak Skeg which features a removable skeg and a base amount, making it perfect for inflatable kayaks. Like most aftermarket skegs, you’ll need to spend a bit amount of time and effort mounting the base on your kayak. In this case, the base comes with two pre-drilled holes for mounting screws, so you don’t have to drill precise holes into it either. At the very least, you’re going to require a strong, marine-grade glue and some hot water to help install the kayak skeg mount. You might even need some cold water for freezing the shaped mount firmly in place.
Notwithstanding whether you use screws or sealants, the skeg is easy to simply place in the slot of the mount once the base is mounted. All you need to do is secure it with a cross pin.
Pros:
- Durable.
- Removable.
Cons:
- Can be slightly challenging to mount.
Docooler Large Size Skeg
11
The lightweight and portable Docooler Large Size Skeg is one extremely well-built product that can withstand the harshest and roughest weather conditions. When it’s mounted correctly, the Docooler makes tracking a breeze. The skeg is very simple to attach using glue, which makes it perfect for both inflatable and hardshell kayaks. Moreover, the skeg is very easy to place and take off, making it an easy enough task even if you’re short on time. The tracking fin effectively and efficiently divides the water and decreases the water resistance on your craft, allowing you to keep the boat straight and steady. Pro tip: Install it about two feet from the stern for best results.
Pros:
- Easy and simple to attach with glue.
- Extremely well-built and durable.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned the slot clips jamming up.
MAYMII Mini Kayak Skeg
10
Another Maymii product makes an appearance on this list – this time it’s the MAYMII Mini Kayak Skeg. As the name suggests, this nifty power-packed performer punches above its weight when it comes to versatile skegs. It’s made from flexible plastic and features a shiny exterior that makes it one good-looking skeg. Moreover, it offers an absolute robust performance to the curved bottom of the hull by dividing the after to decrease any resistance it offers. Not only is it easy to install and put to use, but also it works very efficiently with a noticeable decrease in the amount of energy you’re putting in for tracking the boat straight. Thanks to this skeg, you’ll have to make far fewer corrective strokes for keeping the kayak steady.
Pros:
- Works on almost all kinds of boats.
- Helps you conserve energy.
- Easy to install with no tools.
Cons:
- The small size doesn’t work well for heavier or larger tandem or three-people kayaks.
Fin Mounting Kayak Skeg
9
One of the highest quality skegs on this list is the Small Kayak Skeg from Lanyar, which is a younger and smaller brethren of the previous Lanyar skeg. Made from premium quality PVC, the skeg is extremely durable and will last you a long while even if all you indulge in are rough kayaking expeditions. Not only is the skeg easy to install and remove, but it also greatly reduces water resistance and makes tracking the boat straight an easy job. While you don’t need tools to mount this kayak skeg on the boat, we’d suggest using marine glue at least. Holding beautifully in the face f extreme weather conditions, this small but powerful skeg is one must-buy as part of your kayaking gear.
Pros:
- Extremely flexible.
- Well-built and easy to install.
Cons:
- None!
Wbestexercises Kayak Skeg Tracking Fin
8
Whether you want a skeg for your canoe, boat, or kayak, this Wbestexercises Kayak Skeg Tracking Fin is one versatile and easy-to-use product. The removable fin gives you a hassle-free experience of tracking well and straight even in the harshest of weather conditions. These skegs are made from robust and long-lasting flexible plastic that greatly improves your boat’s tracking and also helps take the strain of doing extra work against the waves and wind off your arms. Each skeg kit comes with three black components – two robust mounting bases and one tracking fin. With a weight of just 5 oz and dimensions of 10 inches in length, 4.1 inches in width, and less than half-an-inch in thickness, this is one well-built skeg.
Pros:
- Long-lasting and durable.
- Comes with the entire kit.
Cons:
- Practically none.
Harilla Kayak Skeg Tracking Fin
7
Have you ever heard of a deal as good as two good-quality tracking fins for the price of one? That’s what these Kayak Skeg Tracking Fins from Harilla promise, and then some. These versatile skegs are perfect for everything from your canoe and paddleboard to your boat or kayak. They’re intelligently designed using long-lasting and durable PVC materials, thus lasting you through multiple kayaking expeditions. Measuring 8 inches in length, 2.5 inches in width, and the same in thickness, these go a long way in keeping your boat or board stable on the water.
However, the absolute best part about these fins is that they come in a pair. Hence, you can either use one each for your paddleboard and kayak or have one as a spare. All-in-all, these fins make for a rather useful and excellent part of your kayaking gear.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Easy to install.
- Comes as a pair.
Cons:
- None, really.
MOOCY Kayak Skeg Tracking Fin
6
If you want your kayak rather than you to do all the fighting against rough winds and waters, then it’s time to get the MOOCY Kayak Skeg Tracking Fin. The super-strong and effective fin does all your work for you, and then some. For starters, it’s made from a durable, long-lasting rubber material that’s also resistant to corrosion. So, it allows you to take it on many kayaking expeditions without worrying that it’ll break. Secondly, it greatly helps keep your boat or paddleboard keep the balance and travel in the direction you actually want and not wander off-course. Thanks to its build and material, it gives you a smooth sailing experience. Finally, it’s shiny black in appearance and is mightily easy to attach and take off.
Pros:
- Well-built and long-lasting.
- Easy to place and take off.
Cons:
- Virtually none.
Dilwe Tracking Fin
5
Yet another great skeg is the Dilwe Kayak Skeg, which provides integral support in tracking to your boat, longboard, paddleboard, surfboard, canoe, or kayak. Not only can the tracking skeg be easily attached to and removed from your inflatable or hardshell kayak, but also it offers excellent assistance in reducing the water resistance. So, it allows your kayak to go straight without getting affected by rough wind or water conditions. It’s made from robust PVC material, which makes it not only lightweight but also long-lasting. Due to its attractive black-colored build, the skeg even complements your kayak, no matter what style or shade it is. Versatile to boot, this skeg can literally fit all kinds of kayaks.
Pros:
- Versatile.
- Well-built and long-lasting.
- Robust.
Cons:
- Some users found the fit a bit off.
SM SunniMix Removable Small Kayak Skeg
4
If you’re looking for a lightweight yet small and strong kayaking skeg, then the SM SunniMix Removable Kayak Skeg is just the thing you’re looking for. The best part? It comes in a two-piece pack, which makes it perfect f you have more than one watercraft or if you’d like to have a backup skeg for your kayaking gear and kit. The skeg is made from a high-quality and robust PVC material that doesn’t need any tools or expertise to attach and install them or remove them, for that matter. Measuring 8 inches in length and 2.5 inches in width and thickness both, these black-colored skegs are a great addition to your watercraft.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Removable.
Cons:
- None, really.
Borogo Detachable Center Fin Kayak Skeg
3
You can mount the universal Borogo Detachable Center Fin on almost any kayak, which is what makes it so popular. The versatile fin is made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon composite materials that ensure that the fun is both durable and long-lasting. It offers the perfect balance of hold and pivot and is perfect for both turning around as well as tracking straight in flatwater. Since it’s easy to attach and remove, it makes it convenient for you to get into the water quickly. Finally, the brand even offers a 365-day limited manufacturer’s warranty, in case you aren’t satisfied with the product, which we’re sure that you will not have to use to return it.
Pros:
- Made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon.
- One year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
- Easy to attach and remove.
Cons:
- None!
Solstice by Swimline Quick Release Skeg
2
One of the most resourceful and multipurpose skegs on this list is the Solstice by Swimline Quick Release Skeg. The tracking fin is not just easy to mount but is also equally easy to detach thanks to the quick-release pin. Made from high-quality and top-notch materials, this tracking skeg is also shaped slightly different as compared to a factory fin. So, it actually helps you maneuver through the water with additional control and just track a little better. Not only does it fit all stand-up paddleboards from Solstice, but it also fits a wide range of boats, canoes, and kayaks, making this a useful buy.
Pros:
- Well-designed.
- Durable and robust.
- Tracks slightly better due to different shape.
Cons:
- Text
Tbest Tracking Fin
1
Saving the best for the last we have the Tbest Tracking Fin, which is one of the best kayak skegs for both inflatable and hardshell kayaks. Besides the actual kayak skeg, the kit comes with two well-designed mounts that can be installed easily near the stern using good-quality, marine-grade glue. The fins themselves are made from high-quality plastic material, making them not only solid to use but also durable and long-lasting. It’s what also makes the fins portable and lightweight, thus helping the kayak track straight. Moreover, it greatly reduces water resistance and can fit most boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Pros:
- Widely applicable.
- Well-built.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Virtually none.
