On Tuesday 03 August 2004 11.41, virtualy1 wrote: > I'm looking at Long Haul IIs and Klondikes. One of *many* uses I can > find for a watercraft hereabouts is duck hunting. I've got a > go-anywhere 60# Springer and wonder if taking him along for retreives > is a crazy idea. > > Three immediate concerns leap to mind: > 1) stability of the kayak with dog onboard > 2) ability of dog to reboard > 3) possible damage to the topsides First, stability would be of little worry while under way! While stationary it is another thing! See further down Secondly, I don't think it would work very well for any dog, unless you help him/her aboard (those life-vests with a handle on top for dogs would work well!). Thirdly, unless you shoot yourself in the foot I think it would be no problem with the damage - can Kleppers and Long Hauls be used by SEALs it can handle the wear and tear of a dog, any size! The size of Long Haul II (or the German original Klepper Aerius II Expedition) would be perfect, but how on earth you're going to retrieve the dog without the boat turning topsy-turvy is beyond me, but I have a solution! Use an outrigger and an outboard, like I do (no I don't hunt). An electric if the endurance is of little importance, otherwise the obvious choice is the Honda BF2, short rig. The hikeboard I use would be useful to sit on while shooting (yours would be devoid of the sail fittings I have, thus easier to your romp), and the Honda a suitable counterweight. Steering could be a tiller similar to my system, but off-set to the left (port) side, as you have to control the motor with your right. You lock the motor when you have the right angle for straight forward cruise and use the rudder to steer (an enlarged rudder might be helpful - I have a really big blade on mine!). To get the right trim you'd fill the rear with your heavy stuff (like a St Bernhard, a wife/girlfriend, a non-hunting buddy, or a heavy supply of Coors). For more details on my set-up see http://foldingkayaks.org/gallery/tord Good Hunting, Tord *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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