"What I wonder is... is it possible to design a rudderless kayak to meet all needs? " That depends on what you mean by "all needs". I don't know of any rudderless kayaks that can fly like a pelican, or play the trombone. My Mariner Express does anything that a 16 foot kayak can be expected to do, and it does these things very well, without a rudder. Adding a rudder would not improve the boat in any way. It tracks easily, on all points, with neutral helm, over long hauls in very strong winds. It also turns much faster than you can turn a boat that has a rudder in the water. It loves to be surfed in following seas. It simply does not need a rudder. On my boat a rudder would add unnecessary complication and drag without helping the boat's performance. Many other boats which I have paddled benefitted from a rudder. I think rudders are a good idea on tandem boats. An inflatable boat would sail sideways at a good rate without a rudder or skeg to help it track. Many high speed surf skis employ rudders to advantage; surf skis have very rounded hull sections and very little stability, so they need to be steered without leaning. And while we are on the subject, there are a number of people who sail single kayaks and use the paddle to steer and brace instead of bothering with a foot powered rudder. Nick Lyle *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> From: Whitesavage & Lyle <nickjean_at_speakeasy.org> > "What I wonder is... is it possible to design a > rudderless kayak to meet all needs? " > > That depends on what you mean by "all needs". I don't know of any > rudderless kayaks that can fly like a pelican, or play the trombone. I thought I explained that pretty well in the rest of my message. No, it didn't involve flying or playing the trombone. Not even making ice cream. <snip> > which I have paddled benefitted from a rudder. I think rudders are a > good idea on tandem boats. An inflatable boat would sail sideways at a > good rate without a rudder or skeg to help it track. Many high speed > surf skis employ rudders to advantage; surf skis have very rounded hull > sections and very little stability, so they need to be steered without > leaning. Well, that names a few of the reasons we discussed why some folks might want a rudder. > And while we are on the subject, there are a number of people who sail > single kayaks and use the paddle to steer and brace instead of bothering > with a foot powered rudder. I've not seen a number of paddlers sailing and using the paddle to steer, though I don't doubt some do. I've seen paddlers kite sailing using a rudder, but their hands were pretty busy with the kite. Also seen kayakers fishing and using rudders but their hands were pretty busy with the pole when they were lucky. Cheers, Jackie *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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