Re: [Paddlewise] Durability Testing (Seakayaker Mag are you listening?)

In a message dated 1/6/00 4:55:14 PM, Outfit3029 writes:

<< I would think time and commercial use to be good testing scenario.
 The competition to sell boats and the proliferation of "new" designs offered 
limits the time and use tests. After three to five years of use, the subject 
boats would no longer be available or would not be the "new and shiny" 
model.>>

    This would make a great, although subjective, test for general 
durability, fit/finish, comfort and general utility but I think the strength 
tests would have to be done in a lab to yield empirical data.  More than one 
boat would be required for a commercial use test so that results won't be 
skewed by exceptions.  I do want to say that I feel Seakayaker Mag does a 
great job already with the subjective side of boat testing and reviews, 
except for the durability stuff
    The time issue is well taken. The testing could start soon after 
production boats are at the distributors to make sure were not testing 
prototypes
    How would we keep the manufacturers from changing/lightening the 
construction after the tests has been published?  Maybe the builder could 
guaranty the construction spec's and each model could be retested every two 
or three years.
    As far as publishing test results early in the boats life-cycle:  This 
will always be a compromise.  Too early and correlations are weak.  Too late 
and the information loses it's value.  But the "new and shiny" model mindset 
is problematic.  Kayak designs, at least the good ones, stick around for 
quite a while.  I think a 12 to 18 month period from production start to 
tests publication is not excessive or unreasonable.  This point too should be 
decided by the governing body with input from all interested parties.

Jed Luby, SKDST     (Senior Kayak Durability and Strength Tester)
North American Institute of Kayak Studies
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************