Re: [Paddlewise] She Needed a Rudder

Hi,

I understand the argument for a device to correct the weathercocking - but
why just presume the only answer is a rudder? I'd at least evaluate the
option of an adjustable skeg - some advantages over a rudder I feel are:

Set and forget, once you are on a particular track/direction you dial in the
amount of skeg you need for a neutral paddling action and away you go. Don't
forget it is not just an on/off device - it can be adjusted! Whenever you
change direction you automatically adjust the skeg if there is any wind
about. You need a cable / slider controlled skeg for this to work well - not
the cord and cleat system... VCP do sell an after-market kit... the new
solid tube slider looks great - but it can't be retro fitted to my boat :8-(

Solid footpegs/footrest with absolutely no movement for a good forward
paddling action - especially in larger seas! I rest my feet on the bulkhead
on my boat - very comfy.

Does not lift out of the water (unlike a rudder) in big seas.

Robust - easily withdrawn into the hull for landing or rescues - a rudder
has lots of lines and bungies on the deck with a few 'sharp' edges here and
there as well.

Boat does not have a hideous carbuncle on the back ;-)

On my VCP Pintail the skeg gives me two boats - a manoverable one for
playing in rock-gardens and a good tracking boat for the open crossing or
two... I have tried a boat with a rudder and my simple brain did not like
having to use my feet for forward paddling and steering, especially in
'extremis'! I don't mind the 'stealing' of space in the back hatch really,
as sensible packing can get round this. But of course - the 'real' reason I
don't use a rudder is none of my mates would paddle with me if I had a
'wimpy' rudder.... =8=]

Keith

snip
> 
> We have had a couple bouts of discussion here, edging sometimes to theological
> terrain, on the issue of rudder/no rudder.  For me, it now boils down to
> whether or not an "average" paddler can get home or not.  I am no longer
> convinced that there exists a "perfect" combination of hull shape and trim
> which will get an "average" paddler to safety.  In the case I have described,
> sure enough, __I__ could have made the crossing in that boat, with room to
> spare.  But other folks, working their way, by trial and error, through the
> catalog of paddling experiences needed to use that boat safely are likely to
> have a couple of strandings (or worse) without the backup of a rudder.  That's
> unsafe.
> 
> When I read, here or elsewhere, that a rudder is an abomination on a hull, I
> am
> sure to recall that woman's travails this week.



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