Re: [Paddlewise] paddle floats

-----Original Message-----
From: Sam and Ann Isaacs <saisaacs_at_netcom.ca>
To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Wednesday, May 12, 1999 6:46 PM
Subject: [Paddlewise] paddle floats


>As someone who is tool and materials challenged, I find having to make
>modifications to my boat a stressful process. Through this thread I find
>myself now wondering at the rather limited range of standard equipment and
>design changes that manafacturers provide with their boats. It seems to me
>some of it is akin to buying a new car only to discover you don't get a
>spare tire or even a tire jack.... I'm sure in days gone past ... way
>past... these were equipment options... you could do it yourself and modify
>your car to hang a spare tire... or even modify to put lights on it! Now...
>these are requirements for current models.

I propose that the Isaacs Kayak Company offer a kayak with all these
features. Maybe they could also modify existing kayaks for the customers who
want it and are willing to pay for it.
Of course if you want the government to shove it down our throats for our
own good I have some "patented" devices I think we should all be required to
get with our ABCA certified kayaks. There is the water activated airbag and
sp*ns*n system that opens from the back deck when a kayak capsizes and flips
it and the paddler back upright. But before that can happen two of the
sixteen "Polaris MIRV flares" are launched from their silos imbeded into the
kayaks hull in two rows to warn other kayakers to stay out of the area for
what is to follow. The water sensor also activates the GPS-EPIRB into full
automatic operation. If the airbag doesn't have the kayak upright in a few
seconds for some reason and the kayakers blood oxygen sensor warns of
impending suffocation the automatic ejection seat will safely remove the
kayaker from the kayak and the ankle fastened ripcord activates the
"Michelin Man" inflatable suit with battery powered thermostat controled
electric heater and air conditioning system to keep him high and dry and
warm and comfortable while awaiting the helicopter.
One side benefit of this proposal is that kayaking will again become a lot
less crowded, at least for those of us who can still afford it.
>
>It seems to me there should be factory-issued designs that facilitate use
>of a hand pump with the spray skirt attached (? a hatch opening designed
>for this purpose in front of the cockpit?) How about a mandatory, standard
>issue foldable outrigger device to aid with re-entry, or rolling up? Why
>should any of these features rely on the ingenuity and skills of the
>purchaser or be an after thought, rather than part of the integral package?
>(I'd hate to have to affix my own airbag in my car?). Car designs have been
>modified to accomodate mandatory safety equipment.... how about 'yaks?
>

I vote we make you the kayak safety Czar so you can decide for all of us
just what we need. Of course, like with approved PFD's any modifications we
might want to make to the system will void our certification. Wouldn't want
to let the tool unchallenged mess up this perfect system. Will you please
decide on the best paddle and boat shape while your at it as well. I am
getting real tired of having to make so many choices for myself.;-)

More realistically, I suggest it might be a whole lot cheaper for everyone
if you find someone who isn't tool challenged to make the modifications you
want for you. Maybe you should invest in making a kayak to sell to the rest
of us that is what you think we want or need. We consumers can then vote
with our dollars if we want it or not. If you get it right you can blow the
rest of us manufacturers out of the water for being so shortsighted as to
not see the market that was there.

Matt Broze
www.marinerkayaks.com

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