[Paddlewise] Trim

Ever have one of those days? I feel like such a dolt. I posted the following
to CPAKayaker when I meant to post it to Paddlewise. Oh well, maybe Tuesday
will be better....

-----------


Folks, I'm new to this list and a *very new* paddler. I recently finished a
"stripper" kayak and the first few times out on the water with it have been
a nightmare to control. I'm sure 100% of the problem is my inexperience.

I just finished reading the articles on the Paddlewise web site about
ballast. I know you folks discussed this in depth back in February of last
year in quite a bit of detail. I don't wish to rehash this, but would like
to ask a few questions. A few quotes from the web articles and a little more
description about the control problems I'm having first:
"A bow heavy boat will tend to start out okay and then suddenly turn."
This is exactly the problem I had the first time out, I had a 15-20lb
backpack on the front deck and the kayak (nothing in the forward or rear
hatches) and the kayak was almost impossible for me to control.
" A stern heavy boat will tend to wander and require more corrective
strokes."
This is more how the boat behaved my second time out. This time I had placed
most of my "stuff" in a dry bag in the rear hatch. Only safety equipment
(spare paddle, paddle float, bilge pump, etc) above deck and nothing in the
front hatch. It still felt a little like the first time out though.
 "Like everything, the more extreme the weight differential the worse the
effect. I would expect less dramatic handling effects in a boat with more
rocker."
This kayak has a moderate rocker, weighs about 45lbs, 17 ft long. I weigh
about 170, 5'9". my paddling skills are at a very beginner level. The boat
also feels very stable to me. I don't have a problem at all with stability,
my concern is with directional control.
"Also ballast cures other problems, like excessive weathercocking"
I have this problem (weathercocking). It tracks well into the wind, but
wants to turn hard in following waves.

Re: seat placement:
"Yes, an inch will make a substantial difference on boat trim and handling
characteristics. I would suggest moving it in smaller increments, say 1/2"
or less at a time & then paddle to evaluate the effect. "

Question: Is there a way I can tell if the boat is "trim" before I get in
and close the spray skirt? It would seem that trim would be a moving target
based on what I was carrying for the day (winter/summer gear, day trip,
camping, 2 hour "stroll", etc).  Getting in and paddling for a few minutes
every time I take it out and then land and make a trim adjustment doesn't
seem very practical.

Question: Is trim related to center of balance? This kayak (with no gear)
has a center of balance near the very front section of the cockpit. If so,
can I play around with trim until I'm happy with the way it tracks, get out
and mark/note the center of balance, and just pack it in the future for
center of balance in the same place?

I was thinking of adding a more pronounced keel on the rear half of the
kayak to act much like a skeg. After reading the articles on ballast, I'm
now thinking I should hold off until I improve my paddling skills and make
sure my problem isn't because of trim.

Last question: Is trim just "fine tuning" or can it have dramatic effects on
control? While willing to admit I have a lot to learn, I want to believe
that my paddling is not THAT bad.

Again, this isn't a stability issue, but one of control. Your thoughts on
what I should try on my next outing to narrow down the cause are much
appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Woody



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