ok, I lied, I'm still rigging.
Another bad design point in the skeg, they use a full-thread 1/4-20 (x 2") machine screw as the rotation axle. Even though the length of the axle is fixed by the aircraft nut, over time the steel threads cut mating threads in the aluminum frame, and the skeg begins to tighten against itself when you're trying to deploy it - no matter how slick you think you got it.
It will work beautifully for awhile, then suddenly binds up for no apparent reason - well, I found the reason...
You can still turn around, give it a nudge with your paddle and it will finish self-deploying, but I don't want that.
I'll be replacing the machine screw with closely measured M6 shoulder bolt - parts on order, and will show the finished end next week.
If you ever need fasteners, Bolt Depot online is the place - their selection of 316 stainless is unmatched even by Alamo Bolt (who supplies the San Antonio airport). Anything you need, great service, quick and cheap shipping - no order is too small.
I'm pretty sure my fancy shoulder bolt just below was CNC-machined on order and drop-shipped.
The hole through the frame, skeg blade, and capstans is just big enough for the 1/4-20 threads (0.226"+ clearance).
1/4" shoulder bolt won't go in, and 7/32" is too sloppy at 0.219" (I test-fit the shank of a drill bit).
M6 is just right at 0.236" - I had a long M6 socket screw with half-shoulder to test fit, and the shoulder just glides in the holes.
My design will eliminate the self-binding, gave myself room on the bolt shoulder for nylon washers on each end, with a mm leftover endplay - and no more steel contact stress on aluminum.
My buddy is buying a milling machine for his continual '74 GMC RV project, boat parts and bike parts - one day I may buy a sheet of delrin and re-make the skeg 3 aluminum pieces at his house (he also home brews).
Here's the barn (cathedral) he just finished to park the RV inside - just under 16,000 cu-ft (city code limit), and a 40' RV only takes up half the floor. He'll be able to completely empty his garage of stuff-storage and put a shop in there, as well. If you look along the far wall you can see two 13' kayaks on the lower shelf. (and yeah, he has 4 other kayaks on a trailer for now)