Re: [Paddlewise] Re ballast

John Winters wrote:

> If we consider just the stability issue it is easy to see that people will
> feel more comfortable in a properly loaded kayak due to the added stability
> of gear etc. The problem arises when they venture out lightly loaded and
> unaware that the characteristics of their boat are now significantly
> altered. If the critical conditions are encountered the mix is right for an
> accident and the paddler, is unaware that he or she has done something
> wrong.

What I am getting out of all this discussion is the following.  Unless
you are absolutely certain that you will just about always use a
particular kayak loaded with lots of gear for camping or other uses
(e.g. beer runs, smuggling Canadian ballast rock across the 49th
parallel, etc.), it is best to buy the boat as if it were intended for
day use only.

You will always be able to take just about any day boat for at least a
one-week camping trip.  That is unless you weigh near the maximum
payload for the boat, which in itself is not a good idea anyway.  Even
the smallest of good day paddling kayaks, I am thinking of the
Feathercraft K-Light, can be used for a long camping trip by the average
weight paddler.  There is plenty of room underdeck for storing camping
gear, food and water.  I know I have done it and written about it and
heard from others who have done the same.

ralph diaz

-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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