Re: [Paddlewise] Pygmy Coho vs. Arctic Tern advice requested (hard vs. multi-chine hull)

This is an abbreviated summary of the message that my mailer gobbled up
yesterday. If you want more info just ask...

I've paddled the Coho a fair bit, and built a Tern. Both are excellent
boats with minor differences, and you can't go wrong either way. The Tern
surfs much better due to the hard chine, and I would expect that the chine
will help the Tern track better in following seas. The Tern has very light
initial stability, which I see as an advantage for the ease in turning,
but some beginners might be very uncomfortable in it. The Coho also turns
quite well when put on edge, but it turns a somewhat slower if not
moderately edged. The Coho has better initial stability, more room for
gear (slightly), and may be a little faster due to less wetted surface
area. This last bit is unlikely tobe noticed except by racers. I would say
that the Tern is one of the best boats available for experienced paddlers
who enjoy rough water tripping, and the Coho is perfect for anyone who is
not afraid of rough water, but not necessarily seeking it out either -- it
is more of a cadillac ride.

Personally, I like the chine for surfing performance above all else.

Kevin

                         -------------------------------
                         |        Kevin Whilden         |
                         |     kwhilden_at_seanet.com      |
                         |   Kayak Academy Instructor   |
                         | http://www.halcyon.com/kayak |
                         -------------------------------

On Thu, 3 Jun 1999, John David Fuller wrote:

> I am a soon to be first time wood kayak builder who is absolutely torn
> between whether to buy the Pygmy Arctic Tern or Coho kits.  I live on the
> east coast and paddle primarily in/around coastal waters of both the
> Atlantic and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay with plans for occasional
> overnighters along the coast or intercoastal and a long term dream of
> paddling the length of the Chesapeake Bay in a kayak which I built.  I am
> 6'1", 220 and a size 11 shoe.  I guess my biggest dilemma in choosing
> between the two designs rests in performance differences of the hard chine
> hull of the Arctic Tern and the multi-chine hull of the Coho.  Anybody have
> experience with either of the kayaks, particularly the Arctic Tern?  I read
> the Sea Kayaker review of the Coho from last winter.  Thanks!
> 
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