Re: [Paddlewise] Query: Move Seat on Dagger Cortez ??

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2003 13:53:18 -0400
On 5 Jun 2003 at 11:59, Gary J. MacDonald wrote:

> 6'2" but 35.5 inseam.  My sz 9.5 feet aren't too bad, but that inseam
> is tough for fitting into a kayak.

Is your problem the forward bulkhead or the foot pedals?

If it's the bulkhead move that.  Plastic kayaks have glued-in 
bulkheads and the are relatively straighforward to remove, reshape 
and reinstall.  If it's foam and you destroy it, it can be easily 
replaced.

If the problem is with the footpegs, move them.  You'll have to drill 
new mounting holes and fill the old holes, but you won't have to 
consider the effects of moving the seat.

> I think I'll get the boat, but I am more than a bit
> worried about the balance effect of moving the seat back.

You mentioned in another post that moving the seat one hole position 
will do it.  I doubt that this will effect the balance significantly 
and even if it does, you'll be able to trim it by putting some weight 
in the forward compartment.  The seat movement times your weight is 
balanced by X inches to the forward compartment times ballast weight. 
 
Seat Movement x Paddler Weight = X x ballast weight

Ballast weight = SMxPW/X

Example : Measure the X  (say 40 inches) and assume that the seat is 
moved two inches.  That means 

BW = 2xPW/40  = PW/20

you need one twentieth your weight forward.(12 lb if you weight 240). 
Not so hard to do.  The trick is figuring out where the X is measured 
from.  It should be _your_ seated centre of gravity (not the kayak or 
you and the kayak).  That'll be roughly the front of the seat (in its 
_original_ position) give or take a couple of inches.

You can try this if the person selling it will let you unbolt the 
seat and let it rest on the bottom of the kayak for a test paddle.  
Slide it around till comfortable and see how it handles.  Bring some 
weight to try balancing it. 

If you do get it, don't hang the seat on one bolt.  Redrill and add 
the second in the right spot.

Mike

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Received on Thu Jun 05 2003 - 10:49:09 PDT

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