[Paddlewise] Storm Kayaks

-----Original Message-----
From: inetex <dlloyd_at_inetex.com>
To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Thursday, March 11, 1999 12:31 PM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Turning into the wind


>10. A skegged Nordkapp can be a death trap in high winds

>14. Storm paddlers living in Victoria mostly run British kayaks, though the
Current Designs Gulf Stream, and some of the Necky kayaks get out a fair
bit. The CD GTS sees a
>fair bit of action too. P&H boats are very popular. The funniest guys to
>watch are the whitewater kayaks: As they approach a wave crest in high
>winds, they spin back downwind, heading back to the surf where they belong.


Doug,
Can you elaborate on characteristics you want in a storm boat?  What do your
storm paddling friends think of the boats you listed above?

Although I don't intend to storm paddle, I am interested in boats that make
travel in windy and rough, but not extreme,  conditions easier and safer and
less fatiguing.

 Wouldn't it be desirable to have a bit more volume as in the Gulf Stream?

Would the CD GTS, a very stiff tracking boat, be almost a death trap,
similar to the skegged Nordkapp?  On the other hand, if ww boats cause
problems don't you want a straight tracking boat?

Do most storm paddlers ballast their boats?  How do they get the fore/aft
trim right?

Is stability an issue at all?  I feel comfortable in a stable 22" beam boat
such as the CD GTS in chop and following seas but a twittery 22" boat like
the Necky Arluk 1.9 makes me nervous in following seas.  A 21" Nordkapp or
20.5" P&H Sirius would frighten me.  Why not have a bit more, but not too
much, stability?

Why are British boats favored when there are so many Canadians?

Finally, what about the Nordkapp makes it such a good storm boat?  Does it
require the long rudder that you talked about?

Jerry

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