>From Kenneth Cooperstein > Subject: [Paddlewise] Sponsons for fishing/kites > Any paddlers with experience? Opinions? > We normally paddle our double without the company of other paddlers (nobody loves us), so I "made" a pair of sponsons to increase our self sufficiency. They consist of a pair of inflatable fenders, with appropriate straps, adjusters and clips to mount them just behind the front cockpit. If you want to see what they look like (no photos in the water, sorry), go to: www.voyager.co.nz/~alsjfs/sponsons.htm We have only used them about 3 times, and in waves about a metre high, winds 20 - 25 knots. 1. They reduced any tendency to broach when running down wind, even when angled down the waves by 30 or so degrees. 2. They were OK upwind and beam on. 3. Probably most important, they increased my confidence regarding our seaworthiness. In calm water I can stand up on the seat easily. In a single I think you would want to mount them just behind the cockpit so that they do not interfere with your normal paddling stroke. They should be adjusted so that they are at or just above water level when you are in the kayak. When you are level there is no effect or drag, but the more you lean the greater the righting moment. The cost was fenders $40, straps etc $40, nuts bolts and washers $20. Total NZ$100 (US$47). At the time I made them I had never heard of you know who (or Paddlewise either for that matter). Allan Singleton Hamilton NZ *************************************************************************** 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 Thu Jun 15 2000 - 22:25:24 PDT
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