[Paddlewise] Nordkapp review

On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 21:00:39 -0300, Fernando said:

>>Sea-kayaking is a sport that, in my country (Argentina), has evolved based
mostly on the NORDKAPP, from VCP. So we can say we know it well enough and
under any situations.
I would appreciate very much if you send me, ( off the list if you prefer )
your opinion about the pros and cons of the Nordkapp [...] >>

Oh, this is simple!

1. If you know it well enough and under any situations, why are you
soliciting opinions?

2. If you only have one kayak mold in your country, namely the illegal
Nordkapp, how can you fairly appraise it, if you have not paddled anything
else for comparison and contrast?

3. The Nordkapp is over twenty years old, admittedly it has a fine
heritage, but other designs have evolved from it, not to mention other
designs that are completely at odds with the Nordkapp, but have fine
characteristics too, even superior ones. Why not concentrate on asking
people what other boats they like, and why? (I think you did in a
round-about way, perhaps).  

Everybody knows the Nordkapp bow plunges, that its shallow round hull lacks
some of the stability a hull with more "V" or with chines has, and that it
gives a wet ride. It is also hard to preform a balance brace with, has an
awful stock seat (you may have _not_ ripped off that part of the design),
and runs-off in a following sea and is difficult to bring back on course
again. Because of the forward narrowness, there is little room for large
feet, and because of this same narrowness, log-legged people loose mucho
storage capacity in the forward compartment, such that deck-loads are
employed. British units in glass can be heavy -- not sure what you guys
build them at. Oh yeah, the last few inches of the front horn is for looks,
not function, and the built in fin/skeg inhibits backing up in kelp and
turning into the wind in Force 7 or more. One more thing, Brit style boats
like the Nordkapp are poorly fitted-out for comfort and security -- you
need to do a bit of tinkering. But I guess you already knew all this.

I think a logical replacement might be the Romany or one of the Foster-Rowe
kayaks (you might even yield more consistent quality with your builder that
with some of the F/R units repoted. You might be able to get a license for
one of these other kayaks, and even produce them legally. Or do what a
number of designers have done -- change a few dimensions here and there,
and call your kayak something else, and then NO royalties.

Anyway, glad you guys have something to paddle down there. You must have
some beautiful coastline. I dream about paddling down in places that are
your "backyard".

And it appears trying to find the perfect kayak is a universal pursuit.
Good luck on your search. Funny how you wound up on Paddlewise with all the
other perfect boat dreamers!

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd (not the best diplomat in the world)
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************