Skeg

Nick provides a comprehensive guide to installing the skeg box and control slot on a kayak before attaching the deck. He meticulously details the process, including cutting openings, aligning components, applying epoxy, glassing for reinforcement, and installing fittings. Particular attention is given to proper positioning and offset mounting to ensure functionality and ergonomics. The video concludes with the installation of cheek plates and an expression of gratitude to dedicated viewers.

Nick methodically works through various preparation tasks for the Petrel Play SG build, including shaping and installing the skeg box, drilling holes for control components, crafting the control knob, and applying bias-cut fiberglass reinforcements. His calm and experienced approach guides viewers through the intricate processes involved in this stage of kayak construction.

Nick and Bill continue working on the Petrel Play sea kayak kit. They remove dams, drill holes, trim fiberglass parts, fill holes with epoxy, and start assembling the skeg box components. Nick changes his plan for installing the coaming lip, discussing how properly sequencing operations is critical on a complex build to avoid making future steps more difficult. The engaging dialogue covers many small tasks while emphasizing fluid adaptation of the build plan.

The video covers several tasks related to installing a retractable skeg. Including constructing the skeg box that will house the skeg, shaping the plywood skeg into an airfoil, reinforcing areas of the skeg with fiberglass, fabricating the control slot trough for the deployment knob, and doing an epoxy end pour in the hull to strengthen the ends. Throughout, the host Nick discusses the pros and cons of having a skeg.

In this video, Nick and Bill are working on the Petrel Play SG, a stitch and glue sea kayak from a kit made by Chesapeake Light Craft. They focus on glassing some of the kayak parts and explain the process in detail. They demonstrate the process of layering the fiberglass on different components and provide insights on effectively using epoxy and thickening agents. They also introduce the concept of peel ply and its application in the fiberglassing process. Nick emphasizes the value of taking on smaller tasks such as fiberglassing early in the building process to gain familiarity with the materials and techniques.