John Lull wrote: >Yes, I believe I could go a bit faster in the longer boats, but if it's downwind in rough >seas, for me the Coaster requires less effort because the shorter boat corrects more >easily. This may just be a style preference. I've noticed that longer, stiffer tracking >boats do hold their course better, but once they deviate, they are more difficult to bring >back on course (because of their stiff tracking). If you remember, John, you taught me how to use the Coaster in the tide rips off Yellow Bluff about 6 years ago. One of the best lessons I ever had. But I never quite mastered downwind control with the Coaster. I was always being knocked off course then correcting. Yes, correcting was easy, but I was always busy doing it. The longer Express is far easier for me to hold course with, and surf; I prefer it. I also briefly tried the Mariner II and I think that I would prefer that even more, and for the same reason. >But my point is that hull speed is often overrated compared to other factors. If one boat >cruises easily at 4.5 knots and another at 5 knots, but you generally paddle at 4 knots, >then either boat has sufficient hull speed. Agree. I cruise between 3.75 and 4 knots. Doesn't make any difference to me what the hull speed is. >My style preference is for a playful boat that doesn't need a rudder. None of the Mariner >kayaks you mentioned need rudders, but they do require skill at edging (leaning) to >hold & correct course and the longer the! > boat the more there is to control...or something like that! > But for me, the longer the boat the less frequently I have to do any control at all. (The boat can't be too long or uncontrollable.) I have no intention of entering rock gardens. Too scary. Travelling is easier for me, and more relaxing in a longer boat. Thanks for your insights. Jerry *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Oct 12 1998 - 17:48:52 PDT
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