> Now that the subject's been raised, who uses rudders and who leans >the boat? > > My Current Designs Solstice GTS has a rudder, but I've never used >it. I bought the boat slightly used from Pacific Wave where it was the >"extra" trip boat for a while for the "in crew" at the shop. . . I don't >think the rudder's ever been used. > > The Solstice GTS tracks in all seas, and doesn't broach or windcock >much. > > Anyone want to keep score on this one? > I second your opinion of the GTS without its rudder deployed. Remarkably easy to paddle in windy conditions. However, I do use the rudder in confused windy conditions, when travelling in a straight line for a long distance. It is not "needed" but it saves energy. This whole question of rudders should be addressed in the context of particular boats. If a boat needs a rudder it doesn't have a good hull shape. Others have remarked that all boats weathercock without a rudder or skeg. This is only superficially true. Some are very difficult in winds, such as the Sea Lion or the Caribou, some are quite well behaved, such as the GTS or any of the Mariner boats. Jerry *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Mar 26 1998 - 22:41:46 PST
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