I have been following the "Rudder/No Rudder" controversy with some interest. I own two boats, a Current Designs Extreme High Volume and a Wilderness Systems Pongo. The CD Extreme is just under 19' long, while the Pongo is about 12.' I could not be more satisfied with the touring characteristics of the Extreme except in a stiff cross wind or cross current. Without using the rudder the boat will weather vane into the wind or current and can only be turned to maintain course with difficulty. It can be done but only with effort and it is necessary to maintain that effort to stay on course. I've tried it and it is exhausting in the long haul. A rudder is almost a necessity to manage this long narrow (21" wide) touring kayak on extended trips. The Pongo is a great sport boat, good for knocking around in surf, class I rapids, fishing or any short to medium trip. This boat is as wide as a bath tub, but handles beautifully in almost any conditions. It tracks straight in winds and currents. It is not equipped with a rudder and shouldn't be. My point is, a rudder may be required at times in certain conditions and circumstances. I could not enjoy touring without it. To categorically deny a legitimate place for ruddered boats does not take all situations into consideration. And I fail to understand what machismo has to do with common sense. Sounds like unnecessary work to me. Ray M. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Oct 11 1999 - 12:07:46 PDT
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