[Paddlewise] Stability/Performance. . .

At 07:07 PM 5/18/98 -0700, you wrote:
>Larry Edwards wrote:
>
>>  ...SNIP...
>>     Sure, it's fun to have a kayak that will let you cover lots of
>> miles in a day, but for most folks I recommend kayaks that have a
>> wider margin of safety than those like the Nordkapp.  (Of
>> course this also depends on the size, torso length and shoulder
>> mass of the person -- skinny kayaks can be quite stable for smaller
>> people.)
>
>If a boat has too much stability is is difficult to heel and feels
>awkward in steep waves.  If a boat has too little stability it is
>difficult to keep upright in breaking waves or chaotic seas.  The
>optimal degree of stability lies somewhere in between.  The case for
>moderation in stability is put forward quite eloquently in the most
>recent issue of Kanawa (in an article written by John Winters).  
>
>Dan Hagen


        There's a fundamental distinction between "primary" and "secondary"
stability. . . (also known as "initial and secondary stability"). I'm a big
fan of the secondary stability boats. . . the ones that are tippy ("tender")
like you don't know but which don't get rocked in the waves. I've a Current
Designs Solstice GTS which is very tender on the flat water, but just
PERSISTS in staying upright and level in heavy seas. On flat water the boat
is tippy and tender. On heavy seas the boat stays upright because it's
designed to sit on edge and level in water that's rolling in a 45 degree
angle wave. 

        Necky has an article in its sales brochure that explains all this.
In sum: Initial stability keeps the boat parallel with the water. . .
Secondary stability keeps the boat from tipping over (capsize) in heavy seas
. . . The boat becomes more stable as it is leaned on it's side. 

        These stability characteristics are essential to understanding boat
design. And the reason the "tippy" boat may be the best choice for the nasty
waters.  

        Somebody help me out here. . . John Winters understands this stuff! 

        Geo.  

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