On Tue, 25 Sep 2001, Craig MacKinnon wrote: > > A better argument for the Devil's Advocate: rudders can increase forward > paddling efficiency under certain conditions for many kayak designs, > allowing one to work smarter rather than harder by devoting more energy to > forward strokes versus corrective strokes--something paddlers of all skill > and fitness levels appreciate. > > Craig > I actually disagree with that rudders always increase forward paddling efficiency. I control my boat's direction with slight edging, not corrective strokes, and thus a rudder would only add drag. I have heard that rudders can add up to 20% drag, but that is only hearsay. Perhaps Matt Broze has some definite numbers. However I have definitely noticed drag from rudders in boats I have tested, and also on skegs for that matter. I still think that if the boat is balanced and well behaved, then an expert paddler would not gain much benefit from the rudder, and this might even be offset by the drag. Kevin *************************************************************************** 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 Tue Sep 25 2001 - 11:04:14 PDT
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