Re: [Paddlewise] Sponsoons vs. Skill - For Those Who Wonder

Fred wrote:

> I have just read John's web site and though I don't fully understand it
> I certainly have a better idea.  Anyone interested in the issue of wide
> and stable vs. narrow and tippy should give it a thorough study.  I
> intend to give it another read (and probably a few more) in order to
> fully appreciate what Mr. Winters has said.
>
Always glad to elaborate. However, if you want the most complete treatise on
the subject I suggest Marchaj's "Seaworthiness, the Forgotten Factor" also
for a graphic example of the dangers inherent in light weight but wide
stable platforms visit the Givens Life raft web site.
http://www.givensliferafts.com/graphics_plus/raft.html

Marchaj and Givens have done an enormous amount of research into form
stability and the effect of wind and waves on boats depending on high form
stability. They support their arguments with real life not armchair wisdom.

For another excellent example of real life read Hannes Lindemann's "Alone at
Sea". He crossed the Atlantic twice, once in a ballasted dugout canoe and
once in a wide folding boat equipped with an outrigger. He did not capsize
in the dugout but did capsize in the folding boat. I writes an interesting
but brief discussion of why he capsized. Simply put, he got broadside to
breaking waves and high winds in a light displacement high form stability
boat.

This is not meant as a condemnation of wide high form stability boats for
they have their place but one should not confuse stability in benign
conditions with safety in extreme conditions.

Cheers,

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


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