Re: [Paddlewise] Rocker: too many sea kayaks

Ken;
Most paddlers don't have any idea about what their skill level is.  Also it
is the exceptional paddler who learns how to handle their boat using varying
strokes, edging, ruddering, weight shifting etc.  Add to this the fact that
loads tend to vary depending on equipment and days on the water etc and it
is not surprising that there are many different hull shapes and varying
rocker on different boats.
I suspect that first boat purchases have more to do with the emotional
experience of how the day went when a particular boat was tried or boat
easthetics than anything else.
Additionally, my experience is that boats which track very straight and have
little or no rocker are still a pain in the neck to turn even when put on
edge.  Having no rocker can also be a real hassle in following seas.
John Winskill
----- Original Message -----
From: Kenneth Cooperstein <cprstnc1_at_optonline.net>
To: paddlewise, paddlewise <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 1999 6:34 AM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Rocker: too many sea kayaks


> I am perplexed by the variety of sea kayaks and the use of rocker.  Once
> you decide on total load and your level of skill (stability), it seems
> to me that the intended use dictates the rest of the design.  Yet every
> manufacturer seems to offer several boats with variation in rocker being
> one of the principal differences.  What am I missing?
>
> Assumptions:
>
> (1) The boat should be usable in rough conditions without its rudder.
>
> (2) Leaning the boat a little causes it to turn away from the lean
> because the low side is longer on the water than the high side, causing
> lift aft.  Thus lean can be used to steer in open water.
>
> (3) Leaning the boat a lot increases rocker and shortens the waterline,
> making the boat easier to turn with the paddle, but decreases tracking
> ability.
>
> (4) Increasing base rocker makes the boat more maneuverable with the
> paddle, but decreases tracking ability.
>
> Based on the foregoing, it seems to me that a sea kayak should have
> little if any base rocker; otherwise it will be difficult to paddle in
> windy conditions without a rudder.  It should also be designed so that
> at high lean, it has abundant rocker and a shorter waterline.  This will
> permit maneuvering in tight quarters.  The rudder is only used to help a
> bit in windy conditions and when surfing.
>
> If the foregoing is true, why would anyone choose say a Seawards Vision
> over a Seawards Navigator for sea kayaking?  These boats are identical
> except for rocker.  Similarly, why do many people like the Looksha IV?
> Without its rudder, it is hard to paddle in strong wind.
>
> Ken Cooperstein
>
>
>
>
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