RE: [Paddlewise] Mariner seat

Mike, here's my 2 cents...

I think Mariner makes some of the very best boats but,

For a boat that size and depending on the conditions you paddle in, your
size, skills, load, and trim for the conditions, there are times when either
a slide seat or a (dare I say it) rudder will make paddling much more
pleasant instead of a constant grunt. 

Given that weather cocking (or weather helm) is a function of the apparent
wind speed and direction, one should ideally change the trim and or center
of effort to tune the boat so it has a slight bit of weather cocking. If one
knows the conditions ahead of time and the conditions don't change (and
one's direction of travel relative to the conditions don't change), one can
(in theory) trim a boat out with proper loading of gear.

If you plan to paddle in areas where conditions change (everywhere?) and/or
paddle on day trips without much stowage, either a slide seat of rudder
should be considered. I'd go with the seat, cut down the high back (unless
Mariner has lowered it: the high back can restrict a lay-back roll and I'm
always afraid of high back seats when punching through surf) and add foam to
it for comfort and control. The CG issue is something one should be able to
get more comfortable with over time. 

Hope this helps,
Eric


-----Original Message-----
From: M. Wagenbach [mailto:wagen_at_u.washington.edu]
Sent: Monday, March 01, 1999 11:31 AM
To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subject: [Paddlewise] Mariner seat



I've ordered a Mariner II, and I'd appreciate any opinions regarding
the option of the sliding seat in the bigger Mariners.

I don't find that seat to be very comfortable, and I'm concerned about
raising my CG at all with padding.  Unless experience shows that the
sliding seat is an important asset, I'm inclined to get a foam seat
and backband so I can make fit alterations more easily.

Mike Wagenbach


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