Re: [Paddlewise] Fore and aft trim

>This is what is called "swing weight".  To understand this, grab a broom by
>the brush end and swing it around.  Now, grab the broom by the handle end
>and swing it around.  It's much easier to swing it when the weight (the
>broom end) is closer to you body.  This same principle holds true for
>kayaking.  If you have heavy weights in the bow and stern, you'll have to
>exert more energy to turn the boat than if the weight was closer to the
>cockpit.
>
>Always try to pack your kayak with the heavies items close to the cockpit
>and down low (nearer the hull than the deck).


Good advice from Dave. Keeping weight out of the ends generally seems a good
idea. Ralph mentioned the value of storing heavier stuff  amidships and
along the sides. The ability to do this in wider boats may slow the roll
period which might make paddling more comfortable. I have no direct
experience with this in a sea kayak and wonder if anyone who owns a wider
Klepper (etc.) has noticed this effect. In ships this they call this
"winging the load".

Another point worth adding to all the good information supplied so far has
to do with the relative efficacy of shifting weight in different boats.

For example, shifting weight may not prove necessary in boats with rudders
or drop down skegs that allow you to modify the relative turning moments
with the devices. On boats designed to paddle without rudders the shifting
of weight seems to have more importance. I have found it essential in solo
canoes much less so in kayaks fitted with rudders and drop down skegs. Some
of the old timers on this list may recall the rudder Vs no-rudder debate on
Wave-Length in pre-Paddlewise. If I recall correctly the down-under
contingent argued rather forcefully that the rudder accomplished this aspect
of control more easily since one could not shift weight in the boat easily
or as smoothly while underway but could steer easily all the time.

I mention this not to restart the old pro and anti-rudder debate but to
suggest how a variety of methods might accomplish a particular end.

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Web site address, http://home.ican.net/~735769








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