Re: [Paddlewise] No need for a rudder... finally

I spend several days trying out many sea yaks at demo days here in the
Midwest region and got quite annoyed by the need for using a rudder for
directional stability when a significant wind is blowing. Also, at aerobic
speed many yaks tend to diverge from the intended direction if you skip a
couple of strokes for a little break or do not "closely balance"  your
stokes. I was NOT impressed about several of the "top of the line" sea yaks.
Trying the Cape Horn  (http://www.wildsys.com/kayaks.html  ) was a VERY
pleasant experience. There is something quite magic about this hull design.
No wonder WS claim they spend more R&D on this design that any other of
their designs. (A big compliment to the designer Harrie Tieken  ). I am now
a very happy owner of a Cape Horn. My advice to anybody planning on buying a
sea yak DON'T trust anybody about the suitability for you. TRY IT OUT !!!
Peter
P.S. I have no association with WS
----- Original Message -----
From: Dave Williams <paddler_at_loxinfo.co.th>
To: Paddlewise news group <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 25, 1999 3:43 AM
Subject: [Paddlewise] No need for a rudder... finally


> Hi y'all,
>
> A while ago we had a little debate going about the need use a rudder.
Well,
> I was one of those who saw nothing wrong with using a rudder.  Others
stated
> firmly that if you have a good design, you shouldn't ever need a rudder.
>
> I now have a different opinion after paddling a Wilderness Systems Cape
> Horn.  My old paddling buddy Andy Zimmerman (Wilderness Systems) is here
in
> sunny southern Thailand visiting us.  He brought over some Cape Horns.
Wow,
> what a nice boat.  I'm at the upper recommended weight (I weigh 215 lbs.),
> yet the boat handles beautifully.  I had absolutely no problem with
tracking
> even in a quartering sea. We encountered a wide variety of conditions
> without any handling problems. We had some novices with us on a recent
> paddle and they also experienced no problems with tracking.
>
> It's also one of the most comfortable boats I've ever paddled.
>
> Cheers,
> Dave
>
> Dave Williams, Director PaddleAsia
>
> dave_at_paddleasia.com
> http://paddleasia.com
>
> 93/6 Soi Samakit 2, Yaowarat Road
> Phuket Town, Phuket 83000
> Thailand
>
>
>
>
>
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