Re: [Paddlewise] paddlefloat photo

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2001 12:53:14 -0500
From: "Robert Livingston & Pam Martin" <bearboat2_at_attbi.com>

> > These two assume there are no free surface effects.  I rather doubt that any  kayak
> > will be more stable when flooded.  If the kayak heels, the water is free to move
> > to a new position.  Unless you've got lots of baffling to prevent the water from moving
> > around, you're in trouble.  If you've got sufficient baffling, you've got nowhere to sit!
> 
> If the flare continues to the rear of the boat and to the bow it encompasses
> the area behind the rear bulkhead and in front of the front bulkhead.
> Therefore the free surface affects do not cancel out the increased width at
> the waterline as a markedly flared boat settles down into the water. Only if
> the boat has no bulkheads is what you say true.

I don't think I'd go that far.  The cockpit volume is a significant portion of the 
total volume of the kayak.  It also represents the greatest width in most designs.
It is true that the lowering of the CG due to the increased weight will increase
the stability of the ends, but this may be offset by the amount of decrease in
the cockpit.  My experience in flooding kayaks and paddling them suggests 
the benefit isn't there.  I haven't done this with a significantly flared hull, though.  
My Ellesmere has such a hull; I'll give it a try in the pool this coming Feb. and see.

Mike

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Received on Sun Dec 23 2001 - 09:45:25 PST

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