Re: [Paddlewise] Stuff on deck

Kevin wrote:
>
>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?).

The paddlers were mostly paddling into the wind so the gear bag was most
likely in the windshadow of the paddler's body.
As for weathercocking it was not a factor unless they had set off on another
course.

>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.

The bundle on the back deck would increase weatherhelm by adding windage and
(depending on its weight) decrease weatherhelm by lowering the stern and
shifting the center of lateral resistance of the hull aft. Hard to guess
which would have the greater effect. But I would guess the net effect would
be to slightly increase weatherhelm especially if the gear in the deckbag
was lighter weight stuff.
The paddlers position relative to the center of lateral resistance of the
hull will determine if the paddlers windage is a factor in increasing or
decreasing weatherhelm. Most of the time the paddler is pretty close to the
center of lateral resistance and is not much of an effect as you suggested.
But its the center of lateral resistance not the center of mass that matters
here.

Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com


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