Re: [Paddlewise] Rudders

yup.  At, my then, 145# my Arluk III only really settled to an appropriate
waterline with 100# of gear/water.  It was "impossible" to edge with that kind of
ballast, really requiring a rudder/skeg for efficient efforts (if  in an open
top(e.g. Canadian canoe), I could stand to get the leverage, obviating the
advantage of a rudder:).  Without that excessive ballast, the boat was blown
about, requiring the almost never used rudder/skeg for efficient efforts.  A much
lower volume boat has not exhibited these tendencies.  My experiences lead me to
conclude; appropriate boat size for corresponding paddler obviate the need for an
open top boat, rudder, and skeg:).

Leander wrote:

> At 08:14 AM 27-03-98 -0800, Dan Hagen wrote:
> ...snipped...
> >First, you state (as though it were fact) that the Caribou is "very
> >difficult in winds". The correct statement is that the Caribou is
> >difficult *for some paddlers* to handle in the wind. While I have read
> >reports that some folks have difficulty controlling the Caribou in
> >winds, I can only conclude that this is because they have not developed
> >the requisite skills. ...snipped...
>
> In the discussion of whether a kayak "needs" a rudder/skeg or not, certainly,
> as many have pointed out, design of the kayak is of first importance. Second,
> skill of the paddler is paramount, and a paddler who requires a rudder/skeg
> one
> year, may not need it as there skills improve. But there is a third issue
> which
> many seem to forget; we all know of kayaks which behave better in tough
> conditions if they are loaded, but are quite difficult to control when
> unloaded. Now let's consider something we often forget, which is the weight of
> the paddler.
>    A paddler in a boat built for the "average kayaker", will likely be
> paddling
> a design who's intended operator is presumed to be around 160-200 pounds. This
> kayak will handle optimally with a paddler of this size carrying the usual
> paraphernalia we so love to bring along. But what happens when the paddler is
> only 120 pounds? The kayak rides higher than it's intended design, and may be
> more difficult to handle in the same conditions the 180 pound paddler finds
> comfortable. So while improving skills will help, if the boat is not at the
> optimal water line, the paddler is penalized in its handling characteristics.
>    I think it's really important for a paddler to get a kayak properly sized
> for their weight and intended use...by which I mean do you plan to mostly
> day-trip, or go camping...so you can paddle at the design's most efficient
> waterline. This goes for larger/heavier paddlers, too, as they can no doubt
> attest.
>   I'd like to hear comments from others on this issue, both user's and
> designers.
> Leander
> overfall_at_ix.netcom.com
>
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