[Paddlewise] Stability vs Down Wave Stability

John Winters wrote ( in another thread):
>
>Scott provides for us a good example of one attitude towards paddling which
>involves  expanding skills and constantly pushing ones limits. Another
>attitude would embrace a different approach - that of treating paddling as
>a means to explore the world. Exploration need not involve pushing one to
>the limit. Within the context of my paddling, avoiding a capsize
>constitutes the objective of seamanship. To that end I would prefer a boat
>that  resisted capsize.
>
>What I wondered, however, was whether an easy to capsize boat could be
>defined as a better boat simply because it might be easy to capsize. Is a
>Nordkapp a better boat than, for example, a Current Designs Solstice by
>virtue of its being less stable?
>


It seems to me that there are 3 kinds of stability that are more or less
independent of each other.  Roll stability determines how comfortable you
are sitting still in choppy conditions.  Down wave directional stability is
how well your stern resists skittering back and forth in confused following
seas.  Wind directional stability determines how easy it is to hold
direction in cross wind.

I share your preference for a boat that provides some  resistance to
capsize.  Not having wind directional stability, ie. strong weathercocking,
is something I dislike greatly.  However, it leads to extra work rather than
to upset.  Roll instability can lead to capsize, especially if accompanied
by lack of attention or carelessness.  But down wave directional instability
can be scary.  I have been in some boats that felt truly fine in windy
choppy conditions, until I turned down wind.

I have been told that a "double ender", with fine entry and exit hull shape,
is a term for a sailboat that handles down weather easily.  Does the same
apply to kayaks?

Jerry



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