Re: [Paddlewise] Rudder story

> The key is instruction and "weaning" the paddler off the rudder so it
doesn't become a
> crutch.

You can sail a boat without the rudder.  It's an interesting exercise.  No
sailor in their right mind would do it routinely.  It's not a "crutch", it's
a tool.

 I emphasize to Amie and others that it's a "trim tab" rather than a
steering
> device and it should be used as such.

Dagger has what they call an "integral rudder system" which they refer to as
a "trim tab". Does anyone have experience with them?

> I want to get a "high performance" day paddling kayak and it won't have a
rudder.
> But I'll keep my ruddered tripping boat for longer outings, even if i
haven't used the
> rudder in a long time.  I

Just about all "high performance" surf skis have rudders.  At 20' long and
less than 19" wide they don't turn well.  It's not a "design flaw".  It's
the intent of the design.  Go straight and fast.  Turning is secondary.
It's like shoes.  Different footwear for different activities.  I think it's
great.  Wish I had more room for more boats.

> I think the rudder argument is like "real men don't eat quiche".  Real men
eat whatever
> they bloody well want to!

My favorite boat has no rudder.  My other favorite boat does.  The boat I
have on order (which will probably arrive in the dead of winter)  is a surf
ski with the rudder mounted under the hull 40" from the stern.  I'm already
day-dreaming about the boat after that.  Perhaps no rudder and lots of
volume.  Something I can take out and just get "hammered" in by the elements
and still get back in one piece. Speed would be secondary.  Dealing with 30
knot winds coming through the "slot" on SF Bay would be the priority.  Any
suggestions?

Enjoy, delight, live
Bob







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