Re: [Paddlewise] Volume and Safety

On Sun, 21 Feb 1999, Gerald Foodman wrote:

> I am considering either a Mariner II (21.5" beam) or Mariner MAX (23.5"
> beam) to add to current fleet, which consists of a Mariner Express (22.2"
> beam) and CD Solstice GTS (22" beam).  Now, I am quite comfortable in rough,
> but not too rough, water in my 22" boats.  Also, I have paddled George
> Gronseth's Mariner II in a lesson in Deception Pass tidal rapids and had no
> trouble with it.
> 
> But, I have a feeling that I can decrease the likelihood of a capsize, due
> to some combo of carelessness and disturbed water, by increasing the volume
> of my next boat.  Certainly, too much volume would decrease safety by making
> the boat unwieldy and poorly fitting.  But a bit more volume might be
> helpful.  (Ralph Diaz has said that an advantage of folding boats with their
> inherent stability is decreased likelihood of capsize.)

Jerry,

I do not think that volume will make too much difference in the likelyhood
of capsize in following seas, and in fact too much volume in the form of
extra width would result in extra initial stability and increase the
likelyhood of a capsize.. Paddler ability is the most important factor in
likely hood to capsize in following seas. Second to that, is the
likelyhood of a certain hull to broach, which is the cause of most
capsizes in following seas. The least likely Mariner boat to broach is
probably the Coaster -- a very good boat overall, and probably an
excellent complement to your Express. In general, hard chine boats tend to
broach less, and I really like my Pygmy Arctic Tern while surfing a wave.

Following sea performance is probably the most challenging aspect of boat
design. If this is most important to you, do your research well.

Cheers,
Kevin

 > 
> The most likely time for capsize for me is in following conditions, which I
> love to paddle in.  Therefore a boat that is more forgiving in following
> conditions will also decrease the likelihood of capsize.  I have heard that
> the MAX is easier and more forgiving down a wave than the II, or even the
> Express.  Now that I think of it, what I am looking for is the easiest and
> most forgiving boat, ie., least likely to capsize, when surfing follow seas
> (not shore break).   I don't care about performance or responsiveness,
> whatever they are.  When you are travelling down weather you are going fast
> enough in any boat you can control.
> 
> Jerry
> 
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