[Paddlewise] sprayskirt/sliding seat

The sprayskirt I got with my Express has enough play in it to slide all the
way back
for entry-exit and to bury the stern when paddling.  Sliding about 4-6"
forward is
balanced for normal paddling.

The only time I go further forward is to release the stern to turn into high
winds.
I can slide a few inches further forward and have run out of play in the
skirt.  It works
fine so far.

Matt told me they once had a spray skirt made with a great deal of play
but folks didn't like paddling with a puddle in the slack.  I'm still
considering having
one made with more play as I'm not fussy about a quart of water here or
there.  By the
time I'm ready to get it made, I'll probably decide I don't need it.

I suspect the boat would handle fine with the hung or foam seat that are
also available.
But I gotta tell you, sliding the seat all the way back makes getting in and
out soooooo
easy. I've noticed that every time I go out I find it necessary to get into
and out of the
boat at least once.

I can't testify, with my limited experience, that it helps me surf huge
waves, negotiate
treacherous rock gardens or complete lengthy crossings.  It does keep me
from looking
stooopid in front of the ol' geezers that inhabit the docks.

Bob




----- Original Message -----
From: "Seng, Dave" <Dave_Seng_at_health.state.ak.us>
To: "Paddlewise" <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2000 9:08 AM
Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Paul Caffyn and rudders (long)


> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Dan Hagen [mailto:dan_at_hagen.net]
>
> snip
>
> > The only adjustable mechanism whose
> > robustness I trust
> > is the sliding seat. I am surprised that more manufacturers do not
> > incorporate sliding seats into their designs.
> >
>   This sliding seat idea has always sounded interesting to me, but, never
> having seen one, I have a little trouble picturing how they work in
> conjunction with a spray skirt - or is the total travel distance fore/aft
> small enough that the "normal" amount of slack in a "normal" skirt can
> adjust to the different seat placements?
>
> Dave Seng
> Juneau, Alaska



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