Re: [Paddlewise] Stuff on deck

On Tue, 1 Jun 1999, inetex wrote:

> I spoke with Matt Broze today who is doing the safety report for SK
> Magazine on the failed crossing. He does not feel, given the wind direction
> we encountered, that the deck load made that much of a difference. It was
> more the paddler/boat. I still feel, that in a perfect world, deck loads
> would not be used. I also feel that, as Matt does, the paddler's profile is
> the biggest factor in windage, and as we can't do much about that, I'll
> count my blessings that I am a bit on the short side (and the air is less
> polluted for us shorties, too :-) ) 

Doug, I question the relevant importance of the paddler's profile in
regards to weather cocking (although perhaps you were refering to forward
progress against a headwind?).  If the paddler's profile is so important,
than why does changing boats (not profiles, how could I change that)
result in differences in weather cocking. Perhaps it is the placement of
the paddler on the boat that makes a difference. But no matter what, there
is a narrow range of paddler placements, and the resulting torque is made
small by the minimal lever arm about the center of mass, which is usually
right on top of the paddler assuming the boat is packed right. (Matt, do
you have any data on this?).  In fact, if the paddler's profile dominated
as far as weathercocking is concerned, then it would be a disadvantage to
place the cockpit towards the aft of boat. I'll let all of the Mariner
designs speak to the truth that the paddler's profile is really a minimal
factor. 

Just my opinion. Cheers,
kevin

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************