Re: [Paddlewise] Standardized tests for hatch leakage - was - Sea Kayaker Reviews

Mark wrote:

(SNIP)

>
> I realize this is a bit overstating it, but not totally.  Standardized
tests
> such as a standard that requires that a kayak be able to withstand fully
> loading with water etc, as John seems to be suggesting, strikes me as not
> all that interesting.  Anyone can look at a boat and determine how
strongly
> it's built.  I'm not sure I really need a boat that withstand that, not
for
> the type of paddling I usually do.  I like a light boat.  . . . If I want
a
> big heavy super-sturdy boat, I'll go to England to buy one <g>.

I did not suggest any specific test and most certainly did not suggest
filling boats with water. You may have confused me with some one else. I
suggested that a standardized test would
provide more useful information. It seems (to me) a bit unfair to not test
all boats under similar conditions.

>
>  Subjectivity is a fact of life.  Even the most sophisticated scientists
> will often acknowledge that subjectivity permeates everything (consider
the
> Heisenberg Principle).  I don't mind a little subjectivity in kayak
reviews,
> and I don't really favor "standardization" of tests used in reviews.  In
> fact, it kind of disturbs me to think that this is a direction we might be
> headed in.

First, the ubiquitous nature of subjectivity does not make it fact or even
useful, it just
makes it ubiquitous.

Secondly, No, scientists do not acknowledge that subjectivity permeates
everything. It may permeate many thinking processes. Scientists do, however,
recognise that science is the search for the immutable laws of the universe
not the variable whims of people.

Third, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that, it is impossible to
simultaneously determine the position and momentum of an atom. It explains
why Newtonian mechanics is inapplicable at the atomic level. Not much to do
with subjective opinion.

Fourth, Why would knowing more about boats disturb anyone? Would you want
your medicines based upon opinion instead of research, the safety of
airplanes, cars,  bridges, etc. etc. etc ?

Cheers,

John Winters
Redwing Designs
Web site address http://home.ican.net/~735769







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