[Paddlewise] perception

Nancy K wrote;

While not being of "scientific and technical" mind set, it would seem to me 
that "stability" is a relative term and dependant entirely on the paddler's 
perception.  For instance, a landlubber would perceive any kayak to be 
unstable. In addition, the weight distribution of the paddler him/her self 
also affects stability as does the paddling circumstances on any given day 
(flat water as opposed to rough).  Most paddlers just want a boat they are 
"comfortable" in.

Many things are measurable but people perceive them differently. This, 
however, does not invalidate the measurement. The designer (naval architect, 
industrial designer etc. etc.) learns to relate the perception to the 
reality.

I will re-tell a story. If you have heard it already say so.

I fitted a kayak with a mounting device on the bottom at the center of 
gravity. Three different plastic cylinders 3", 6" and 12" in length could be 
mounted on the kayak and projecting downwards. I then had experienced 
paddlers paddle the kayak but did not tell them what cylinder I had mounted 
on the bottom. The paddlers correctly identified the cylinder in only 10% of 
the tests,  below what they could have predicted on a random basis.

I have other similar stories. if paddlers can't tell the difference that 
does not mean designers should not try to create boats with less resistance 
because over time the cream probably rises to the top. The same applies to 
stability and paddler perception of it.



Having said that Nancy is  right on about what many paddler's want. Of 
course, that doesn't apply to eh hair shirt types who are proud of their 
suffering.



Cheers

John Winters
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