Reading the "Where should the sliding seat be?" section of the "Owners" manual in the "manuals" pick-box of our website should help you understand what pros and cons there might be to moving your seat further back. While you may loose a little in top speed I think that most kayak's handling would be helped more than hindered by putting the seat a few inches further back. I think at least one company purposefully designs their kayaks out of trim to the stern because of the improved tracking and less weatherhelm (without much effect on maneuverability and only a small drag penalty at lower speeds--that won't even be accounted for in Sea Kayaker's drag calculations at any speed) this position allows. It is also likely going to be a lot easier to test this and make this change rather than trying to remount the foot pedals and deal with the old holes left over. the cockpit will get easier to get in an out of for a long legged paddler as well. With most kayaks the easiest way to know if it is "in trim" is to use a level just in front of the seat. The center of gravity of a kayak paddlers body is at about his belly button (unless it protrudes forward more than most--then try the groin and move up about 10 inches from the bottom of the seat). Matt Broze 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Jun 05 2003 - 19:36:18 PDT
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