Re: [Paddlewise] How much is Alex lifting? (was: Kayak Trailers)

"al.m" <al.m_at_3web.net> wrote:
>What I can't figure out, is how much weight I'm lifting at 
the stern, when the bow is already on the bar.  Should be a little less
then full 58 lbs, but more than half-weight, 

Depends on how much of the bow is on the bar.  The kayak is also not of
homogenous weight--a "slice" of kayak is heavier at the cockpit than at
the bow or stern.  There are enough variables here to keep an engineer
busy for a whole afternoon!

Assuming the kayak's weight is spread evenly along its length, if the
bow is on the rack exactly at the boat's 'quarter point' (1/4 the
length of the kayak back from the bow), you would be lifting half the
weight of the kayak, or 28 lbs., if you're lifting at the stern quarter
point.

If you're holding the extreme stern of the kayak, maybe your grab
handle, and the bow is over the rack at the quarter point, then you'll
be lifting with a force of 33.6 lbs, and the rack will be supporting
22.4 lbs.

"WhiteRabbit" <whiterabbit_at_empowering.com> wrote:
Just a guess but you are probably picking up about 60% of the weight.

60% of 56 lbs. is 33.6 lbs.  Great guess!  (33.6 lbs is still assuming
the kayak is symmetrical).  If it were more stern-heavy, you're
probably lifting more like 65-70% of the weight.   Or, you can shift
the kayak forward, and lift less!

shawn

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