Re: [Paddlewise] Boat for a Big Guy (was New Kid ...)

From: <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 07:43:02 -0700
Dave Kruger wrote:
> 
> Will Sahli wrote:
> 
> > I have been a casual canoeist for 35 years (finally need to get serious
> > about my fun, I guess), and am dying to try kayaking. Some potential
> > handicaps are size (I'm 6'3" tall, weigh 285, and have size 15 feet) and
> > the need to research everything to death before I jump in with both very
> > large feet.

> An entry-level boat which MIGHT work is the Aquaterra Spectrum, in
> plastic.  Even so, you would probably have to re-position the footpeg
> runners (and lengthen the rudder cables).

I don't have any handy tables around on payloads (paddler plus gear) for
various boats.  But, from memory, I suspect that for the Spectrum (which
is 14' 4" long by 24.5 inch beam and weighs a claimed 60 pounds) it
cannot be more than 300 pounds if that.  I know for the Nautiraid Raid
1, which is slightly over 15 feet long and 25 inch beam (its external
sponsons hang out for another 4 inches overall) the payload is in the
300-330 range; and this is a boat with considerable extra flotation
built in because of the sponsons.

Which brings up the question of payloads and how accurate they are.  The
Klepper single claims 550 pound payload!!!  Can that really be?  I know
it can carry a lot, but that figure is a lot too!

I suppose payload limits may be a matter of how much freeboard you feel
comfortable with and whether you want to supplement it by wearing a
snorkel :-)

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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Received on Fri Oct 16 1998 - 04:43:09 PDT

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