Anybody have any experience with skegs located 4-5' in front of the intake?

Yes I know we're not supposed to do it, say it, or even think it. But I want to know if anyone has tried it. I'm talking about those 2 or 3 fin jobs at mid hull - like on ski/wakeboard boats. The skegs are there to help keep it tracking straight when I'm pulling 10 g's during my awesome slalom turns.

Everything I've read says the risk is creating turbulence behind the skegs and before the intake. But hell, the friggin intake rock grate is a hydrodynamic abortion itself. The only way I see the mid-hull skeg creating turbulence is if the boats going sideways down the river and if that's happening then I've got some bigger problems.

OK - so let me have some group wisdom!!!!

i think he is referring to a turn fin.....50"-55" from the transom.....it doesnt create enough turbulence to worry about for lake boat use, but if youre lookin to shave seconds off your 1/4 mile time, then dont have one.

mainly they are there to help the boat turn....placement/size is important to your setup.

this says 4to5 feet, i think that would cause bow steer

well yeah, thats ridiculously too far forward.

Our Spectra 20 has one around 7' forward of the transom.  We have owned/used the boat for 20 years, and bought it from the original owner who was an employee of Spectra back in the early to mid 70's.

Regards, Mark

I think at 48 to 50" is the limit . Jets dont like them too far forward . I believe the measurment is taken from the back of the fin too. Lots of jet boat actually came with them too and they do enhance the handling of any boat IMO especially in slolom type course or driving .

-beerjet-

Look at some of the other threads on the site, we have talked a lot about turn fin location. Locate it at the CG and you will be fine.