>To this > point I have spent most of my time in my Solstice GTS ......but I am seeking a more > responsive boat. I practice boat control w/o use of the rudder. About the > only time my rudder hits water is when rain or a wave hits it. I have a GTS as well. My other boat is a Mariner Express. If you want to paddle without a rudder, and need volume for trips, you would have a hard time beating a Mariner II which is approximately the same size as the GTS. Mariners respond to leans very precisely and are easy to manage in rough water. No twitchiness, little windage easily tuned out with the sliding seat, no other unpleasantness. But the GTS is a great boat with a superb rudder. It tracks beautifully (but hard to turn) and can be easily paddled without the rudder. But I nearly always use the rudder. Why not? I took a lesson in tide rips off Vancouver Island once and practiced all directions with respect to the rip, with and without the rudder. It makes things easier and saves energy in real conditions. When I want to paddle without the rudder I choose my Mariner Express. *************************************************************************** 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 Sun Jan 13 2002 - 21:14:04 PST
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