RE: [Paddlewise] Sponson stuff

sandy kramer asked:
>
> Matt, any comments about Easy Rider's two-inflatable
> paddlefloats-on-each-end-of-a-paddle stabilizer that is >affixed to a
kayak?
>

I'm not sure how Easy Rider has adapted our two paddlefloat outrigger method
of stabilizing a kayak for towing an incapacitated paddler (or stabilizing
the kayak for fishing, sleeping, or whatever). We have advocated this
possibility for years (see our "Rescue Float" manual on our website near the
end of that manual under the heading "Kayak Stabilization").
I know Easy Rider kayaks often have a recessed slot for a paddle shaft sized
bar that can be used to raft two kayaks together and as a way to help hold
the outriggered paddle in position for a self rescue. The letter "C" after
their model names stands for "Catamaran ready" and the letter "R" stands for
"Rescue ready" (so CRX stands for Catamaran, Rescue and Expedition = hatches
and bulkheads by their definition--ready). I'm guessing that is the system
they are using to hold the paddle in place for the dual outriggers use as
well. I think I once saw their video, years ago, but don't recall that part
in it then. Maybe you have a new version of their video that I haven't seen.
If in fact what you have asked about is what we have been advocating, I'd
say it has several advantages over strap on sponsons. The one I like the
best is that (especially if you can hold the paddle from rotating or even if
can easily reposition it if it has) and you only inflate the top half of a
two chamber paddlefloat, the outriggers will only snag in the water when one
has tipped the kayak far enough to maybe need the added support they can
then provide, but, they won't add any drag to the kayak hull for most
towing, like sponsons do. Tim's sponsons are especially bad this way because
the straps under the kayak are at each end and if they are tightened down
enough to stabilize the kayak much (and not have the kayak also sliding
around inside the harness) they also are curved down at the ends--like a hot
dog--and plow up a lot of water when moving forward or backwards and (in
contrast to Tim's claims) greatly increase the drag on the kayak being towed
or paddled. If you are going to try to paddle (as opposed to being towed)
with the two sided paddlefloat outrigger (you asked about) you are going to
have to mount the paddle further rearward or cut your paddle stroke very
short with each stroke so the paddles don't try to take up the same space at
the same time...amid loud clashing noises. Then again, that just might be
good training to force one to get the paddle blade out of the water early
(as advocated by racers). You can probably use your normal deck lines (if
set up for fixed outrigger paddle float rescues) to hold your paddle well
enough to try this stabilization technique out for yourself. If you like it
or can see the potential, it will probably help if you can rig things to fix
the paddle more securely in place. There is a device called a Pad-L-Rac from
Allin Associated Products http://www.padlrac.com/ that can be adapted to
many kayaks that will hold the paddle fairly well. I don't think it would be
hard to fashion your own solution (adapted to your particular kayak) with a
few cleats and cords, if the idea appeals to you.
I especially like this for towing because with two paddler there should
already be two paddlefloats available to use on the victims kayak if each
have one for self-rescue.
Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com




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