[Paddlewise] Hard chined hulls

There has been a lot of discussion lately about different kayak


designs. In Derek Hutchinson's "complete book of Sea Kayaking",


he describes different hull designs, and their characteristics.


On the subject of hard chined hull shapes, the description has


me a bit puzzled, because,  it is contrary to what a lot of


kayak owners say about their hard chined kayaks.








(From Derek Hutchinsons book "Complete book of Sea Kayaking") 





"The V-shaped or chine hull, the traditional shape of many


Eskimo kayaks, gives directional stability as long as the amount


of rocker is not excessive. However, with such a hull it is


unfortunately almost impossible to maintain fast forward speeds


because as the speed increases the boat tends to plane on the


flat chines. The kayak thus retards itself on its own bow wave".


(End of quote)








I have read a number of reviews from the owners of hard chined


kayaks that describe them as "Fast" (see paddling.net's reviews


on Nigel Dennis's "Greenlander Pro" for instance).





I would like to hear peoples thoughts on this, especially any


kayak designers/builders, or people that own both hard chined AND rounded


(or soft chined) kayaks. Do you agree? disagree?   





Thanks,





Robert Warren












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