Peter Carter wrote: <<There is an important point to remember about Paul's article: he is describing a detachable fin, one that could be either on or off. In common with many other on/off devices it had two effects: too much, or too little. It was not a retractable fin with infinite adjustment between up or full down that allows the boat to be trimmed to run straight of its own accord. When such a boat is properly trimmed it needs no correcting strokes to hold a heading. There is a world of difference between what Paul describes and the fin systems in current use.>> I agree, but think it should also be noted that Paul's "skeg" was mounted at the back of the kayak (kind of slipped over the back point) where, like most rudders, it was popping in and out of the water in steep waves that lift the ends of the kayak. It should also be noted that Paul's rudder was an extremely long one compared with most rudders on kayaks today. His could reach the water on steep following seas where most stern mounted rudders cannot at that critical time where a broach begins. Give me a good drop skeg mounted further forward from the stern any day (even though many have problems of there own I won't go into here). Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon May 08 2000 - 13:07:17 PDT
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