In a message dated 2/14/01 11:53:22 PM, ratten_at_uow.edu.au writes: << Which leads me to a few other points in what I call the 'survive capability' of the Klepper. The boat is very stable upside down. In extremis, ie, exhausted, injured, sea-sick etc, the boat will provide a relatively level platform from which to launch flares, radio, etc. That is, the design of the boat makes it as stable upside down, as it is the 'right side up'. << huge snip of interesting stuff >> But I will take survivability over rollability anytime. Peter Rattenbury >> Peter brings up an interesting point. Various designers take different approaches as they strive to make their designs seaworthy and safe. A common feature for folding boats is to design in high stability which will offers protection via ease of handling as the paddle approaches exhaustion. This same high stability also works to keep the uninitiated somewhat safer than they would be in a more tender craft during early training. Narrow Greenland style boats (whatever that means) on the other had offer no such safe haven whether upright or inverted and offer nothing to the non-skilled paddler. But with a pilot that has the skills they do offer the ability to dance around in conditions that would prove quite challenging for large boats and they provide for the ability to self-right via the roll. For pilots of narrow boats these traits are what provide safety and "survival capability" by allowing the craft to negotiate more extreme conditions upright and paddling. Two different approaches yield two different designs based on two different safety models. I don't say that one is right and the other is wrong, the world is too complicated for such a simplistic approach. Each design brings with it it's own strengths and limitations. But let each paddler chose their craft and be proud of their choice. We are all the richer for the diversity that exists. Jed (Khatsalano owner wannabe) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Feb 14 2001 - 20:04:16 PST
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