Re: [Paddlewise] Appreciation of Skegs (was Nordkapp flame )

From: Wes Boyd <boydwe_at_dmci.net>
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 08:46:27
At 10:03 PM 8/10/00 -0400, Michael Daly wrote:
>
>It seems to me that a variable-shape kayak would be a fine
>thing.  To be able to change from a long fast cruiser to a 
>rockered playboat as conditions change would be great.
>A skeg is just, IMNSHO, a step in that direction.  Skeg
>up - take advantage of the rocker.  Skeg down - get better
>tracking.   

How about a boat that bends in the middle, intentionally, and needs a
mechanical stiffener? Throw a lever, and a long, straight boat gets six
inches or a foot of rocker to help make a sharp turn. Throw it back, and it
becomes a serious tracker again. I did a back of the envelope design for
such a boat one time -- actually a raft, for a fun raft race that had a
single sharp turn.

-- Wes

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Received on Fri Aug 11 2000 - 05:46:47 PDT

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