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From: Bemis, Scott E. <SEBemis_at_bemis.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] Use of Paddlefloats as Sponsons, use in kayaks and canoes
Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 10:13:22 -0500
> A while ago I mused that inflatable paddlefloats could be fitted with
clips and double as 
     sponsons. Why wouldn't that work?

This sounds like an excellent ideal (and I am wondering why I did not think
of this simple and money saving ideal)

>Sponsons require fitting out the boat in advance

True at least in my opinion . . 

And I plan to test the sponsons with a downwind sail (a Spirit sail), too in
"higher winds", 10 to 15 MPH to determine how I can sail with what type of
stability (or lack of stability) with sponsons, and even higher winds if
they really add stability. 

 			 Has anyone used sponsons with downwind sails in a
single kayak
				solo canoe?

Yes, I have recently purchased sponsons and rigged my sea kayak with clips,
even color coded so if I am ever getting bashed around, I do not have to
remember which is the front and rear.  I will be testing them during the
next several years.  The eskimo roll is my first method in case of capsize
though.  My plan is to leave them, along with the paddle floats, tucked
safely beneath and along side my kayak seat, and use rolling in case I
capsize.   
 
My tests with sponsons will also includes if I can to a self rescue in a
fully loaded canoe (not a white water canoe with air bags, but a flat water
canoe loaded with gear in large dry bags securely strapped into the canoe).

 		Has anyone attempted this?  
		Or rolling a flatwater canoe with secured nylon deck cover
(again no float bags)? 
               If so, do you have any tips with rolling a flat water canoe
with a deck cover?
                 I plan to attempt this in the pool rolling sessions during
winter (I live
                  in Minnesota). 





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