A skeg (or skegg or skag) is a sternward extension of the keel of boats and ships which have a rudder mounted on the centre line. [1] The term also applies to the lowest point on an outboard motor or the outdrive of an inboard/outboard.

In nautical terms the difference between keel and skeg is that keel is a type of flat-bottomed boat while skeg is a similar construction on a boat that acts as a keel. As a verb keel is to collapse, to fall.

A skeg is a structural part of the keel in front of the rudder that protects the rudder. The keel encompasses the rudder, preventing any rogue ropes, weeds, or rocks from damaging the rudder. Example of a fin keel with skeg rudder

May 3, 2024 · A keel is the structural backbone of a boat, crucial for stability and structural integrity, whereas a skeg is a smaller fin-like structure added to improve directional stability. The keel of a boat serves as its principal structural element, running along the …

Aug 28, 2022 · Skegs are a key part of boats and play an important role in the function and performance of a boat. There are three main types of skegs: full, fin, and bulb. The most common type of skeg is the full skeg. This type extends from the bottom of the boat to the waterline and provides stability and tracking.

Aug 26, 2022 · The Skeg or centerboard keel is a hybrid keel that is made up of two different types of keels. The skeg is the part of the keel that is located in the front of the boat and is made up of a centerboard and a daggerboard.

Mar 20, 2023 · A skeg is a vertical tapering projection or an external structural feature at the aft of the vessel, about the centreline, directly attached to the vessel’s bottom shell plating, and mostly, but not necessarily, situated in front of the rudder.

Jun 19, 2023 · There are no fittings connecting the rudder to a keel or skeg, so the rudder stock and bearings need to be very robust. Shallow stub keel with internal centreplate. Pros: When lowered, the plate gives good windward performance. The plate can act as an echo sounder in protected shallow water.

Feb 15, 2023 · The skeg is part of the keel of a boat that extends to protect the rudder and propeller while also keeping the boat on a straight path. If you’ve never seen the skeg or, rather, had it pointed out to you before it may be hard to picture in your mind without a little help.

Sailboats utilize a long keel, skeg, or blade to keep a straight course under sail. The keel is one of the most important parts of the sailboat structure, and it's often the first major piece to be laid down during construction.