[Paddlewise] Boat testing

Peter Trebby wrote:

>This afternoon I tested turning the Nadgee by turning it as hard as
>possible, giving it everything to get around. (SNIP)
>The time depends on when you count the turn as
>starting. If you count from deciding to initiate the turn, the time is 1 -
2
>seconds slower than if the turn is counted as starting when the paddle hits
>the water and starts to turn the boat. Because of these subjective
>differences, the timing comparisons for a particular paddler may
>be meaningful, but comparisons between different paddlers trialling boats
>would be less useful.

AMEN

The multitude of variables in human testing of boats make drawing
conclusions perilous. Consider that in the field of psychokinetics a "just
noticeable difference" means a difference noticed 50% of the time. (quoted
from G.T. Fechner in Noble and Robertson "Perceived Exertion, 1996). Compare
that with the authoritattive statements from paddlers. Unfortunately we have
nothing better than humans. In my book The Shape of the Canoe (No longer in
print) outlined several test methods based on those used in ship design
evaluation. I found it difficult (no, impossible) to get some paddling
experts to use them so I have no idea how well they work or how I could
improve them.

Paddling in circles doesn't seem very "real life" unless that is what you do
when you go paddling.

Cheers

John Winters
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