Andy Knapp wrote: > > To pipe in with my experience with rudders: [snip] > Before a long trip two years ago, I did a series of time trials, including > rudder tests, on a measured course on a lake with an impellor-driven knot > meter. Kayak empty, kayak loaded with 150 lbs. of bricks, rudder up, rudder > down, etc., and came up with about a 2% rudder drag factor, or about 0.1 > mph slower at 5 mph. (Eddyline Sea Star, 18', 22") > > This drag factor, in my opinion, is overshadowed by the effort that is > otherwise expended steering the kayak in some types of rough water.[snip] > > In rough water, a rudder under load, would probably exert more than the "2% > baseline" of drag, but still takes some of the load off your arms and > shoulders and allows a steadier cadence. Perhaps a skeg would be a > practical compromise. These are just tools to do the job, like a GPS unit > or a butane lighter. [snip] Andy: great post -- good to have you chime in with some extensive on-the-water experience -- agree with your approach to the rudder/no rudder religious debate. I think Winskill gave me his headache, though. All: been an illuminating set of posts to read after two afternoons on a salty body of water with 10 - 15 knots of LF quarter/RR quarter winds. Used my rudder part of the time and part not. Had a good time either way. Clear, cold night, brant all over the bay, loons calling at midnight, and a double pocketful of agates on the beach for the morning walk. That's a short summary of why I need/don't need a rudder. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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 Sun Mar 29 1998 - 18:37:43 PST
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