RE: [Paddlewise] Back Deck Storage/Extra Gear Anecdote

From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 12:12:08 -0400
On 17 May 2004 at 8:00, Dave Kruger wrote:

> A mid-load does increase your windage, but at least it does not lead
> to weather helm or weather cocking.

Weathercocking still remains a misunderstood phenomena.  If you have 
windage, you have weather helm.  If the wind pushes a kayak sideways 
(no turning required), then the water's forces on the hull will cause 
weathercocking.  To prevent it, minimize windage or minimize sideslip 
with a keel, rudder, skeg etc.  If you overcorrect for it, you might 
get lee helm at lower speeds and weather helm only at high speeds.

Here's a diagram from Frank Goodman (VCP Kayaks) on weathercocking.  
Note that it shows how weathercocking is only due to side loading due 
to wind.  

http://www.greatlakeskayaker.ca/weathercockKayak.htm

In the case of your double with the mid-load, it's possible that the 
keel is so long and deep that weathercocking is reduced below the 
level that you'd have a problem with regardless of the excess load on 
the deck.

Mike
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Received on Mon May 17 2004 - 09:05:51 PDT

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