Re: [Paddlewise] Rocker: too many sea kayaks

> Based on the foregoing, it seems to me that a sea kayak should have
> little if any base rocker

I am not a designer, but we have a couple of excellent ones on this
list.  Maybe we will hear from them.  I do have a comment as a paddler. 
I have a 17 foot cedar strip Guillemot, designed by Nick Schade.  It
does not track as straight as some other boats, but since I do most of
my paddling in areas with lots of small bays and island shores to
explore, as well as currents, I really like its turning ability.  I have
no problems keeping it going straight when I want to go that way, but it
turns so easily and even more when leaned, that it is a delight to use
in my home conditions.  I sometimes paddle with a friend in a Seda
Glider,which he likes for racing.  I can be in and out of a small bay in
the time that it takes him to turn in.  He likes his ability to track
straight, I like my ability to turn and paddle straight both. I have
another kayak that tracks as if it was on rails (except in cross winds),
but I much prefer the Guillemot.  

Not to start anything again, but I did not put a rudder on the Guillemot
when I made it and don't feel that it needs it.  On the other hand, a
friend's daughter tried it for her first experience in a kayak, and
spent the first 10 minutes paddling in circles.

If I was going on a long crossing trip, or was racing, I might want
something that tracks very straight, but I don't feel that that is
always the most desireable feature.  There is a trade off in every
design.

John
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