Re: [Paddlewise] What Kayak to Buy?

John Winters wrote:

> Poly boats do have more resistance due to the surface finish (rough center
> seams etc..)  and propensity of scratches that are proud of the hull
> surface and often have hairy projections.  The increase in frictional
> resistance coefficient is roughly 3%. Not a whole lot but there
> nonetheless.
>
> I know of no reason why a poly boat can't have as good a shape as an FRP
> boat.  I don't know why they don't.
>
> The one thing that makes poly boats less responsive (probably is the thing
> most people notice) is the weight and, in particular the heavier ends.
> Makes the boat less "lively". The flexible and often distorted bottoms also
> erode performance but I am not sure by how much. I am awaiting a program to
> study that. Not sure when I will get it as it is much delayed.

I don't have the experience to know what "lively" means.  But I assume the 10
lb difference in weight between poly and glass is trivial with respect to
resistance.  And I assume, that since you did not mention energy lost in
flexing the boat (something I've heard from sales folks) that you consider it
unimportant.  Thus, in terms of energy spent in a long day of paddling, it
sounds like 3% or so is my only worry.  And that is well within my range of
acceptable.  Thanks!

Brian

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