Skegged Rudders on Antares | Bluewater Protection & Strength

Skegged rudders are far more robust and are critical on a circumnavigation class yacht. Don’t leave the dock without fully skegged rudders!

We don't use uprotected spade rudders to cut costs.

Every Antares Catamaran features fully skegged, skeg‑protected rudders—a critical advantage on a circumnavigation‑class, bluewater yacht. If you plan to cross oceans or explore remote coasts, don’t leave the dock without skegged rudders.

Why it matters: In real‑world cruising you’ll encounter crab traps, fishing lines, driftwood, and rocky seabeds. Skegged rudders protect your steering system and give you the best shot at finishing your passage without damage.

Key advantages of skegged rudders

Protection of the rudder

In real‑world conditions, hazards are everywhere. Skegs protect the rudder blade and stock from traps, lines, logs, and accidental groundings. They add a strong layer of security that unprotected spade rudders do not offer.

Weight‑bearing skeg

When hauling out, Antares can sit on the keel and skegs—no exotic chocking required. That makes yard work or intentional beaching for maintenance much easier, especially in remote areas with limited facilities.

Bending resistance of the rudder stock

Skegs reduce the unsupported length of the rudder stock, dramatically improving resistance to bending. This lets us use a lighter stainless stock without sacrificing strength. Without a skeg, the stock would need to be heavier—and would still be more vulnerable to bending.

Considering bluewater cruising?

Explore the Antares 44 and see why owners choose skegged rudders and shaft‑drive propulsion for safe, global passagemaking.

Find out more about the Antares
Antares Catamarans rudder and skeg picture
Antares Skegged Rudder Design

“We were very fortunate to have skegged rudders. While sailing around the top of Papua New Guinea we hit a very large submerged log—the whole boat shook. We dropped sail and inspected for damage. Only surface scratches, no damage to the rudder or prop.
Friends on the same passage with unprotected rudders hit a log and lost their rudder, then had to sail to Australia to haul out.”

Mark
s/v Field Trip

Examples of Rudder Damage with no Skegs

Rudders with no skegs are much more prone to damage, as you can see in the photos below. The Antares is not only protected from this type of damage but can easily be beached for maintenance anywhere in the world.