Re: [Paddlewise] Trim

Robert wrote;

(SNIP of background)

>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.

Experience will tell you when the boat is properly trimmed. As you have
guessed, it will vary each time you paddle so for boats that are sensitive
to trim a sliding seat can be a godsend.

>
>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?

The kayak's center of balance has very little impact on how the boat trims
relative to your impact. You weigh more than three times the weight of the
boat and a small shift of your weight has a major impact on trim. If you
carry a lot of gear you can use it to trim the boat. I do this by "by eye"
and over the years it seems to have worked out just fine.

>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.

Paddling skills are important and holding off until you feel confident the
problem can't be solved that way makes a lot of sense. On the other hand,
if the boat can't be controlled without a lot of frustration, a skeg or
rudder can help you get past the frustrating part as you learn. Every
paddler learns in his own way and at his own pace.

>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.

Some boats have greater sensitivity to trim than others. Personally I
prefer to fit the boat to the person rather than fit the person to the
boat. You will determine how you want to approach the problem. The ebst way
for you may not be the best way for some one else.

You may want to ask people with the same kind of boat about their
experiences. That may give you some insight into what you should expect
from the boat and maybe some one will have found a good cure for the
problem.




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