Re: [Paddlewise] What is the "boat depth"?

alex" <al.m_at_3web.net> asked:

>> In my folding F-craft Kahuna the 12.5" depth quoted in its specs happened
to be the skin-to-skin height at the aft cockpit rib, i.e. at the back-rest.
(While the maximum depth of 13 3/4" is at the fore cockpit rib).  Is it a
common way to measure depth at the aft cockpit side? How do they measure
depth in a doubles then :-), or in folders with high washboards like Folbots?
>>

Matt Broze will give us an authoritative answer, I bet.

In the interim, here's mine:  it is usual to give the depth (height) at the
front of the cockpit ... for singles.  This is a crude indicator of how well
the cockpit will accommodate paddlers of differing size.  In reality, a
better number would be the comparable vertical dimension where the paddlers
legs (lower thighs and knees, usually) hit the underside of the deck.  A deck
with a peaked shape would be a tougher proposition for big-legged guys like
me than one with a more ovoid profile.  That's why the single number is
misleading.  Example:  my Eddyline Wind Dancer is an excellent "big boy" boat
because the center of the cockpit front is a ways from the hull, __and__ the
deck profile is broad and does not curve down radically until close to the
sheer.

For hardshell doubles and folders with hardshell-style coamings (i.e.,
Feathercraft), I believe the height for the front of the rear cockpit is
used, but have not paid much attention.

Open cockpit jobs like the Folbot double are a weird bunch of bananas.  I'd
guess the vertical distance from the center of the hull to a horizontal line
connecting the bottoms of the washboards would be the most comparable figure.
Probably center of the cockpit would be the most useful locus.  Recognize
that the sea worthiness of such doubles in heavy water is compromised unless
there is a very sturdy spraydeck.  Also, knee/thigh bracing must be done to
the underside of frames, in some, making the number above less meaningful for
paddler fit estimates.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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