Re: [Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks

Scott Ives wrote:
> 
> You guys are kidding, right?  Why would anyone actually buy rocks?
> ...

As I recall, John began marketing his rocks on the WaveLength mailing
list only after we had been spammed repeatedly by Tim Ingram (the
"inventor" of the modern kayak sponson, or "Sea Wing").  

John's point, as I recall, was a simple one: Sponsons increase stability
through what is known as "form stability". It has been demonstrated
repeatedly that a superior method for increasing stability in rough seas
involves the use of ballast. (Superior in the sense that it is far more
effective at preventing capasize.) John actually provided references to
support his claim. (I know what you are thinking: "References? Are you
kidding?? On the *internet*?!?)  

So ballast is the way to go if you want to increase stability. Being
quite astute, John realized that rocks can be used to provide ballast.
But why does John think that he can actually market them? It's very
simple: If people are willing to spend a substantial amount of money on
devices (sponsons) that provide inferior "form stability", they must
certainly be willing to pay *less* money to acquire devices (rocks) that
provide stability through a superior approach (ballast). "But", you are
no doubt thinking, "isn't it irrational to buy rocks to improve your
stability?" Of course it is! John's point is simply that that it is
*less* irrational to buy his ballast rocks than it is to buy sponsons,
since the rocks work better and are cheaper! So there you have it. The
origins of a modern commercial success story. Truth, once again, is
stranger than fiction. (At least you have *my* version of the truth.
John has gone to that boat builiding convention, so it will be a while
before he can correct me.) 

Now having said all of the above, some of us (myself included) believe
that sponsons have legitimate uses. To read about this discussion--free
from Tim Ingram's spams--see the Paddlewise archive on our sponson
discussion. (Use the website link below to access this archive.) While I
disagree with John about whether sponsons have *any* legitmate uses, I
certainly think that his humorous ballast rock discussion has been a
highlight of the long-running sponson debate. All kidding aside, there
is no question that stability is best added through the use of ballast.
With enough ballast a kayak can be made essentially self-righting (like
those little pool toys with lead in the bottom). This is an important
point for people to keep in mind--particularly Nordkapp owners. :-)

Dan Hagen
Bellingham, Washington

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************