RE: [Paddlewise] Evolution Kayaks

Frank Lloyd may have been a mystic architect, but that did not make him
right about form and function being a spiritual issue. Form follows
function, so you have to still determine function.

The bulbous design reminds me of the reed boats of Lake Titicaca (sp?) or
the Indian Ocean. The high volume design was seaworthy as proved by Thor
Hyerdahl. This design is that of a barge or freighter, where the large load
forward is balanced by the CE being moved way aft. I think I got this part
right? Totally consistent with standard ship and load design, though I agree
a bit strange for eyes accustomed to seeing Kayaks of the Aleutian or
Greenland variety.

This reminds me of Captain Cook when he first saw South Pacific islanders in
their prows. He did not understand the function, so he was surprised when
they out sailed His Majesty's ship.  Now whether the function of the
Evolution is as a creek boat, or long haul expeditionary kayak is to be
determined!

I would also suspect that the design has some interesting handling
characteristics in following seas, and may not be as inclined to broach. The
high profile makes me wonder though about handling in a wind. It would seem
to have a significant lee helm, which may be undesirable, but would have to
be proven in sea trials.

I am not so concerned about mystical artistry as I am engineering and
function. Settle that and I will be glad to let someone else paint the boat
whatever color kayaks are supposed to be painted.

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Lampman
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Evolution Kayaks

In any case we are looking at appearance/form rather than function
since nobody seems to be able to provide meaningful  data on
performance.   According to Frank Lloyd Wright,  "form and function
should be one, joined in a spiritual union."  If he is (w)right, pun
intended, the consensus response to this thing should predict very poor
performance indeed!
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