Re: [Paddlewise] Rudders/ frequency

Michael wrote;

(SNIP)

(SNIP)

>The big danger is to assume that the boat/paddle that is most efficient
>with
>a high power paddler at 6+ knots is also going to be more efficient with a
>casual paddler at 3- knots.
>
(SNIP)

This quiet true. The problem stems from a fundamental problem with the word
"speed". When most people talk about "speed" what they really mean is
efficiency at their power output. They know they will never paddle a fast
as a sprint racer but they still want  to go as fast as they can when
cruising. Thus, a boat that allows them to go faster at their normal
cruising speed is "fast".

That same boat may not be "fast" for some one else.  This is why graphs of
resistance are so important. Strong paddlers will want boats with high
prismatic coefficients and greater length to make best use of their power.
Smaller less strong paddlers will want shorter boats with low prismatic
coefficients to provide low resistance at cruising speeds. A boat that is
"fast" for the one type of paddler will not be "fast" for the other.

This difference (and others like displacement, paddling style, etc..) is
why two paddlers will have different opinions of the same boat and why
people should be cautious when accepting a recommendation for  boat from
some one else. I always pucker up a bit when people ask what boat others
recommend (particularly on the Internet). not only does the person asking
the question not know anything about the  respondent but the respondent
knows nothing about the questioner.

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/



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