>>It's too bad there aren't more kayak designs that don't need a skeg or rudder. Interestingly, there was such a boat on the trip, and due it being loaded bow heavy, resulting in excessive weather cocking and broaching during a crossing, a tow line had to be used for a while to keep it going straight. this is the problem with boats that 'don't need a skeg or rudder'. The simple matter of balancing a boat to 'conditions' and course is quite involved, taking wind speed and direction, intended course, boat trim, swell direction, etc. into consideration. just being off a little with this balancing equation can be a nightmare. skegs and rudders make this 'balancing act' as EZ as deploying the device. Many times I have seen experienced paddlers in boats that 'don't need no stinkin' rudder or skeg' have all kinds of issues when the wind kicked up. The boats WILL find it's weather balance point, and sometimes it ain't where YOU want to go. steve http://mail2web.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 Mon Jun 14 2004 - 08:09:12 PDT
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