Re: [Paddlewise] Paul Caffyn and rudders

Matt wrote:
> I'm surprised by your experience with
>the Caribou in following seas. Usually hard chine boats that respond well
to
>a lean turn like the Caribou does do well there. Maybe its that old
>proactive/reactive preference of yours, or maybe I should try it out for
>myself in following seas (or at least a steep boatwake) instead of
believing
>the ravings and first impressions of blind men.
>

 I did not paddle the Caribou in following seas.  It was on protected water
but with very strong wind, 25 knots with gusts to 35.  It was extremely
difficult for me to hold direction.  A skeg would certainly have helped but
there was so much wind effect that I felt that it was the hull shape itself
that was poorly designed.  I have no trouble at all in this condition with
the Express.  And very little with the GTS, even with the rudder raised.
Even with the seat out of trim the Express hull is not very affected by wind
and can be turned easily.  The GTS tracks extremely straight in wind.  It is
almost completely unaffected and goes straight.  But it takes considerable
effort to turn.  I think the Caribou would be great in surf, but not wind.
Again, I know that there are enthusiastic fans of the Caribou.  I believe
that a necessary, but not sufficient condition, for a good design is near
neutral behavior of boat and paddler in any direction of wind, without
rudder or skeg.  The Express and GTS meet this, in different ways, but the
Caribou does not.

Matt wrote:
>I forgot you had paddled the Mariner II. Essentially Doug is repeating what
>he interpreted one blind man to have said. I'm surprised that you think
>there is much to learn about the Elephant from heresay once removed from a
>blind man.
>>

I don't think this is fair.  I am interested in what Doug has heard and in
how he filters it before passing it on.  Opinions are interesting and food
for thought.

Matt wrote:
>Since you paddled the Mariner II and have read what others have written
>about the Nordkapp why did you need to ask the question of Doug that
started
>this thread.

I did not need to ask the question.  But look at all the fascinating
discussion it has prompted.  I just received detailed opinions on my
favorite topic from two of my favorite commentators.  You and Doug.

Matt wrote:
>This may lose me a sale, but, I doubt you will find a huge
>difference between the Mariner II and the Express in a following sea unless
>you are carrying a gear load (I'm not sure if you are interested in its
>handling when the kayak is empty or when gear laden or both). The mariner
II
>is better with a gear load than the Express in following seas. The Mariner
>Max requires less proactiveness than either the Express or the Mariner II
in
>a following sea--empty or loaded down. >

>From my one day in Deception Pass with the Mariner II my perception is that
it was significantly easier to power through any turbulence than it would
have been in the Express.  Therefore it seemed more forgiving.  I did not
notice any significant difference in stability.  Maybe the Express would
have been better for playing.  The MAX felt too big for me and felt
noticeably less efficient than the II.

Jerry

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