Enciclopedia de yates
Skeg (rudder protection)
Skeg on sailing yachts: partial keel protecting the rudder, survey focus on bearings and grounding, and trade-offs versus spade rudders.
Qué es
A skeg is a fixed structural fin that partly supports or protects the rudder. FairHelm buyers meet skeg-hung rudders on many Scandinavian cruisers: more protection in some groundings, different bearing and moisture paths than a freestanding spade rudder.
Survey language
Inspect rudder bearings, play, moisture at the skeg join, and grounding scars. A skeg does not make rudder problems impossible — it changes where surveyors look.
Buying implications
Choose skeg versus spade for your harbours and risk tolerance, then survey the rudder system either way. Do not treat "skeg" as a synonym for "bulletproof". FairHelm sea trials still include slow reverse and helm feel checks.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q: Is a skeg safer than a spade rudder?
A: Often better protected in some groundings. Manoeuvring and repair access differ. Condition still rules.
Q: Does a skeg eliminate rudder bearing work?
A: No. Bearings and seals still age.
Q: Are all long-keel boats skeg rudders?
A: No. Layouts vary. Read the specific installation.