Paddlewisers, I just received the June issue of Sea Kayaker and was happy to see a review of the Andromeda by Current Designs. It is a darn good looking boat and quite narrow with a beam of only 20 5/8 inches. Then I turned a couple of pages and saw a review of the Thelon 17 by AquaDynamic. The Thelon is not a pretty boat at all, and to top it off, the thing is a big fat 25 inches wide. But then I looked at the "Speed vs. Resistance" sections to compare the efficiency differences between the two boats, and I was shocked! Despite being 4 3/8 inches wider, the Thelon was more efficient at speeds of 4.5 knots and faster. I guess good looks and a narrow beam aren't everything. Duane Strosaker Southern California <A HREF="http://geocities.com/strosaker/">Pirate Sea Kayaker</A> *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Duane wrote: >>>>>>I just received the June issue of Sea Kayaker and was happy to see a review of the Andromeda by Current Designs. It is a darn good looking boat and quite narrow with a beam of only 20 5/8 inches. Then I turned a couple of pages and saw a review of the Thelon 17 by AquaDynamic. The Thelon is not a pretty boat at all, and to top it off, the thing is a big fat 25 inches wide. But then I looked at the "Speed vs. Resistance" sections to compare the efficiency differences between the two boats, and I was shocked! Despite being 4 3/8 inches wider, the Thelon was more efficient at speeds of 4.5 knots and faster. I guess good looks and a narrow beam aren't everything.<<<<<<< It is kind of funny because I noticed that as well, even though I calculated all the figures in the first place (several weeks ago). I again double checked that they were in fact the exact numbers I calculated and gave to Sea Kayaker magazine. At first I was afraid they might have switched them or something. After the initial few moments of doubt I quickly saw the reasons for that in the other data Sea Kayaker presented on the same page. Notice that the Thelon's waterline length is 16' 3.9" (at 250 pounds plus the kayaks weight) and the Andromedas waterline length is only 14' 2.4". another thing that should be kept in mind. This is a pretty heavy gear load and few paddlers are going to be pushing either of these kayaks much over 4 knots. Notice the disclaimer above the results about how many pounds of drag a fit paddler is likely to overcome. Now notice how much easier the Andromeda is (with its much lower wetted surface) in the real cruising speed ranges you are likely to maintain with this kind of weight load. Just don't get to much of your pride or ego tied up in a sprint race if you are going to go with the good looks. Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com/ *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> I guess good looks and a narrow beam aren't everything. I sure hope that applies to more than kayaks! Rick - Poquoson, VA *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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