RE: [Paddlewise] Rudder facts (was Weatherhelm)

From: "Robert Woodard" <woodardr_at_tidalwave.net>

> > I wonder, though, if what is considered a design shortfall by some may be
> > seen as an asset to someone else... i.e. Audrey Sutherland's inflatable.
> > Can you call her inflatable a design shortfall?  There's no question
> > she has the skill.  Seems she's found what she wants to paddle and in
> > some conditions, it requires a rudder.

<snip>

> For this line of thinking, in the few short hours since posting my original
> message on this subject, apparently a few folks have either publicly or
> privately taken it as a personal attack on their skill level or choice in
> kayak design or possibly something I don't yet understand. Relax. Don't take
> my words so seriously or as a personal attack.  How I, as a devout rudder
> user, got all the other rudder users pissed off at me is freaking amazing.
> Maybe a couple of you rudderless folks could say something condescending
> towards me so I can feel better again 8^)

I don't think I've seen anyone taking your comment as a personal attack,
at least not publicly.

I hope you haven't taken my reply as being "pissed off."  It really was
intended as a kind of query into the aspect of different boat designs.
I have two boats without rudders, one with and they are all designed for
different purposes.  What I wonder is... is it possible to design a 
rudderless kayak to meet all needs?  I'm not sure design flaw is what I 
would choose to describe boats with rudders (though I will definitely 
agree there are some boat designs, rudderless and ruddered, that have 
flaws).  It's kind of like the difference between shapes of vehicles, 
isn't it?  A van serves one purpose that is not the same as a Mazda Miata, 
for example.  Can this design difference relate to kayak design meeting
different needs and wants?

btw, I've had the same thoughts as you at another time in list history. 
I guess I didn't hold any real conviction one way or the other.  Just 
more questions.

> I still stick by #1 or #2 or a combination of both are the only reasons to
> use a rudder. (I'm excluding special applications such as sailing or kite
> flying.  Valid reasons but they only apply to a few of you) *I* too am
> included somewhere in #1 or #2 (or both)!

How about westies on board?  :-)

Cheers,

Jackie

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