[Paddlewise] FW: FW: Speed and short boats

From: John Lull <wavestalker_at_coastside.net>
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 19:28:39 -0700
Dan Hagen wrote:
You certainly present some very persuasive arguments on behalf of the
Coaster. Some (but not all) of the benefits to which you refer can also
be achieved in a longer boat with substantial rocker, which is the
approach that I have taken. I have often thought of adding a Coaster to
my "fleet", and may still do so.  But I must heartily disagree with you
about the looks. It is about as ugly as a boat can be. :-)  Still, I
suppose that one comes to appreciate the looks over time, or at least
learns to look beyond the surface ugliness to see the inner beauty.

Actually, it's not my intention to promote the Coaster (as hard as that might be to believe), but to promote a certain style of sea kayak that is underrepresented in the market; few paddlers have experienced it.  Anyway, a longer boat with substantial rocker would probably have a greater tendency to weathervane.  Also it wouldn't be as easy to turn around in a tight spot between rocks or in a sea cave.  My suggestion is to borrow a Coaster, take it out on a windy day in rough seas, take it surfing, then get back in any other sea kayak in similar conditions; you'll find out where I'm coming from.  If you get the chance to take it in some rock gardens, you'll really get the point.  Now look at the boat again; It's essentially a rocket!  I'm just curious why boat designers aren't interested in this style of kayak.

John Lull 
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Received on Tue Oct 13 1998 - 19:32:31 PDT

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