Re: [Paddlewise] Jet Ski Buddies

>A technical point.  I don't see that you mentioned to where you attach
>the boat end of the kite cord.  I ask because the tie-off point makes a
>big difference in the potential tipping forces you might get from a
>kite. Take single kayaks.  Normally in a hardshell one you tie off on
>the deck cleat or ring in front of  the cockpit.  So you get a certain
>amount of torque at some angles of kiting in which the kite may want to
>flip your boat.  In a folding kayak single, especially ones with the
>open cockpit setup like Folbot and Klepper, kite sailors tie off to the
>keelboard or keelbar.  This tie-off point is so low (actually below the
>waterline) that the torque that may be trying to turn you over is
>virtually negligible.  You may capsize for other reasons of your own,
>but not because the kite pulled you over.

The test will include different points of attachments of kite line to kayak.
The system I have been using is a pulley system.  This system allows an
adjustable "attachment point".  The boat end of the kite cord can be from
within four inches of the bow to about 12 inches fore of the cockpit.  Could
also be anywhere in between.   With the "tug" close to the bow I find at
little more instability compared to having the "tug" closer to the cockpit.
What I like about having the "tug" at the bow is the reducing of the bow
submarine effect that occurs when being pulled close to the cockpit.   The
boat feels stable enough, just kinda a errie feeling being pulled so fast
with a few feet of the bow under water.  Larry Koenig had a good post a
while back on kite flying.  In it he stated how secure he felt with the tug
closer to the cockpit.
 I'm toying with the idea of several other test.  One is deploying a sea
anchor off the stern in order to experience the reaction of the kayak.  In
what condition will this be helpful, I ain't gotta clue.  But I am curious
to see the effects, then I might have a clue.  Never know till ya try.

>Another experiment you may want to try with jet ski buddies is to have
>them tow you boat with you in it.

It looks like being pulled by jet ski may be a good test.  I may have to
bribe them to go slow and not try to play in my wake :-)
Ralph thanks for your insight on all points,
Arthur


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************