[Paddlewise] Stability when flooded (was paddlefloat photo)

From: "Robert Livingston & Pam Martin" <bearboat2_at_attbi.com>
> > Does anyone have any
> > experiences which would tend to cast doubt on it?
>
> Yes.  The Ursa 350.  :)
>  This kayak has three features that make it stable when there is water in
> the center area where the paddler sits.

 [order switched...]

Mike wrote
>I thought we've been over this before?  And the conclusion every time
>is the same: flooding a kayak is a bad thing.


G'Day,

My Klepper folding kayak appears more stable when flooded. This was
discussed about a year ago and other Klepper owners in the discussion seemed
to be in general agreement. I attribute the increased stability to the
weight of the water providing a counter balance with the internal sponsons
as a pivotal support. However, the reason for the stability and whether it
could be generalised to some hardshell boats was very controversial. My
Pittarak hardshell is much less stable when flooded and much more stable
when loaded with a properly distributed fixed load.

I wouldn't advocate flooding the Klepper to improve its stability - it
doesn't need this as its the most stable boat I've ever paddled.

All best wishes for the season, PeterO

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