Re: [Paddlewise] K-Light back from Baja

Color coding the pieces is a good bit of advice. I had most pieces
marked to indicate bow/stern, and thought I had the seat pieces inserted
in the seat sling going in the proper direction when I packed the boat,
but obviously I didn't. This assembly was about the 5th/6th I'd done...
recall I'm the one who left the boat assembled 10 months! 

Not absolutely sure, but I think I worked on this assembly maybe an hour
total, what with lubricating all the connections, wiping off the sand
sticking to the lubricant, struggling to insert the skin into the
coaming groove (it just was not going to fit with the boat assembled
improperly), rereading the assembly manual to find the cause of the
problem, backing up to reinstall the seat properly, and a good bit of
time for cursing.  ;-)  Disassembly, on the other hand, may well have
been only 15 minutes as I had my husband "pop" out the crossribs and the
rest was easy.

I don't expect to be traveling to the east coast any time soon, Ralph,
but if you come to the symposium in Washington (Port Townsend, I think)
I'll bring my boat for your demonstration. In fact, I'll do the assembly
and let you critique!  ;-)

I have to stick with what I said about the boat being slow and hard to
control in some of the conditions in which we were paddling. My paddling
skills undoubtedly could use improvement although I've taken several
series of paddling classes as well as read books and watched
instructional videos so I've got a pretty good handle on proper
technique, but when the wind blows that boat insists on turning right
into it! 

The boat was incredibly stable, but making headway in a fairly strong
wind with a good rip current was a real battle when crossing La Partida.
My guys in the Sealution and Necky Narpa were struggling too, but at
least they were able to maintain a course and concentrate their efforts
on paddling. I was literally doing a sweep paddle most of the way across
(2, 3 or 4 sweeps on the right, one short stroke on left) to keep the
boat headed in the right direction and maintain some forward momentum.
It was challenging paddling for everyone, but the pointed bow and
sleeker design of the Sealution in particular seemed to be the most
efficient in those conditions. 

BTW, I'd be interested in knowing how others control the direction of a
rudderless boat in similar conditions. Also, any thoughts on the effect
of deckbags and other gear tied on the deck in regard to wind?

Appreciating everyone's comments,
Karen
AKA Baja Mama  ;-)

-- 
Karen Hancock
San Clemente, CA
magpi_at_access1.net
949/487-2602
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