Re: [Paddlewise] Perfect Boat is Plastic! How To Store/Car Top

From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
Date: Sat, 4 Dec 1999 13:43:26 -0500 (EST)
On Sat, 4 Dec 1999 JSpinner_at_aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 12/3/99 9:47:55 PM, batwing_at_kerrlake.com writes:
> 
> << I think you may be mistaken.  In any usage I have heard, "oil canning"
> means flex.  Old style oil cans dispensed oil by flexing the bottom of
> the can.  Boat hulls that work in and out in waves are said to oil can. 
> It is most often considered a negative contribution to performance. 
> What you are calling a dent is in fact a dent. >>
> 
> What I've heard called "oil canning" is when the boat deforms in a 
> semi/permanant way from the bottom. 
<snip>
> I 
> have never hear oil canning used as "flex" in a moving boat. That certainly 
> doesn't mean I'm right but this is the usage I've run into.

Joan, you're obviously not talking to the right people. Mark's
description above is right on the mark. Perhaps you're too
young to have seen one of those old-fashioned oil cans. ;) 

Oil-canning is a dynamic event, dents (aka, wow) are static, or at least
long term. Some canoes, like the Mohawk Solo 13, oilcan dramatically
underway. You can load and unload your knees and get a real rhythm going,
just about squirting water out the sides. The keel line (the bottom is
actually flat) moves vertically about 2". Most kayaks, being supported by
the deck, don't oilcan anywhere near that much, even the plastic ones. But
strap a plastic boat down tight on the racks and leave it there a few days
in the hot sun, and you'll have major dents. Don't ask me why I know this. 

Steve Cramer                     
Test Scoring & Reporting Services      Sometimes you never can 
University of Georgia                    always tell what you 
Athens, GA 30602-5593                      least expect the most.


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Received on Sat Dec 04 1999 - 10:44:14 PST

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