<< It is my understanding (I do this with the utmost humility in this forum, please...), that (British) boats tend to be sportier; by this I mean that they are: Narrow (& tippy), relatively fast, good tracking (slow to turn) low volume (less windage/less cargo), snug-fitting (more control/less comfortable) & extremely durable (& heavy) all of which adds up to an extremely seaworthy craft that requires effort and skill to pilot and enjoy. While American boats tend to be: Wide (& stable), slower, maneuverable (poor tracking) higher volume (more cargo/more windage, loose fitting (more comfortable/less control) & light (but somewhat fragile) all of which adds up to a very comfortable craft for gentle waters that requires little skill to pilot and none to enjoy.>> This is the gross generalization that I often hear. While I am certain that there are both British and American boats that fit these categories, there are just as certainly exceptions to both. I say that rather then try to choose between American and British boats you should just split the difference and buy Canadian :-) <<Now, IF this is true, that American kayaks are more stable, WHO NEEDS BRITISH KAYAKS? If we are so concerned with safety, why have a tippy boat at all?>> I have often heard that paddlers of "tippy, narrow" boats actually capsize less often then those who paddle the more stable boats. If true (and if it isn't, it should be:-) this would be as a result of greater balance and bracing skills developed out of necessity, and the fact that the narrower boats can be more readily leaned into the wave then a fat, flatter bottomed boat, actually making the boat which feels tipper on flat water more stable in the rougher conditions, and visa versa. << Is the following analogy correct: A skilled driver would much rather drive a Porsche than Mack truck, although the truck is certainly better in an accident and more stable on the road?>> Well, let's see; I think whether you drive a truck or a sports car kinda depends on if your looking for sportiness or carrying capacity. The guy in the truck can take a whole lot more stuff along with him then can the fellow in that cramped little Porche. And a really souped up truck might be just as fast as the sports car. And whereas the truck might just be more comfortable over the long haul, the sports car will always be quicker and a bit more lively on the road. My two cents, Scott So.Cal. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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