Re: [Paddlewise] over-size cockpits

At 09:16 AM 1/14/99 +0000, you wrote:
>The basic problem is too many manufacturers producing 
>kayaks with excessively large cockpits, bulkheads too far 
>back, no side compartments. Same complaint (sorry to 
>mention it) about rudder pedals - BAD design.
>
>
>Other option (the real one), fill the excess space with foam 
>blocks.
>
>Alex

As a general observation, I'd agree with you that cockpits are often bigger
than they need to be. Large cockpits do offer some advantages:

On some models you can adjust the seat fore-and-aft placement to customize
the boat's handling.

If the forward bulkhead is far enough forward, you can slide down and sleep
in the boat, though this probably benefits only a very small percentage of
paddlers.

Space behind the seat is handy for stuff you'll want during the day but
don't want to remove your spare paddle on the rear deck and rear deck hatch
to get at. I notice some British designs solve this problem in a more
sea-worthy way by having a second rear bulkhead which creates an entirely
separate compartment just behind the seat, accessed by its own separate
"dayhatch".

>From a designer's/retailer's point of view, I imagine bigger cockpits offer
the advantage that "one size (sort of) fits all" so you don't need to
design or stock as many models, which can be expensive. Comments and/or
corrections from the trade welcome.  

>What can you do? Complain to the manufacturers or sue them 
>(seems to be your traditional way :-)  

No, Alex, as you can see from my latitude and longitude, I'm Canadian.
Those are Americans you're thinking of, who sue at the drop of a cup of hot
coffee :-). Canadians take about as kindly to being lumped in with
Americans as Kiwis do to being confused with Aussies :-). The best way to
tell the difference is to loudly proclaim that they're all the same. The
ones who start sputtering in indignation or muttering about socialized
health care and gun control will be the Canadians. 

Cheers,



Philip T.
N49°16' W123°08' 
"The opinions expressed in this posting are not necessarily those of my
employer, or indeed, of any sentient being."
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