RE: [Paddlewise] Ballast hold-downs? (Was: Ballast: do you need it?

From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 07:33:37 +1000
G'Day,

I'm 140lb and paddle a boat reputed to be like an Icefloe and supposed to be
difficult in a following sea. Have fibreglassed stainless steel rings into
the rear compartment and also into the cockpit in front of my seat. At first
I used a comprehensive bag of safety equipment and water as ballast and tied
it down to the rings with bungee. It was very effective. Over time I got
used to much smaller loads or doing without. The rings in the cockpit are
for tying down a helmet which otherwise doesn't fit into the day hatch.

Can anyone tell me whether ballast in the rear improves the performance in a
following sea - I'm wondering if the fact I don't have a problem with a boat
that is supposed to have such a problem is because I'm putting some gear in
the rear hatch.

All the best, PeterO


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Received on Mon Aug 19 2002 - 14:44:27 PDT

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