Re: [Paddlewise] Semi-submersible Drill Rigs - and Reserve Buoyancy

Agreed - and I should mention that the sea state height was limited by the
fetch in Haro Strait. I doubt I'd run extra heavy loads on open water. I do
still wonder where kayakers draw the line at too little freeboard.

As for free surface effects, the size of the aggregate mattered a lot. I ran
with rocks in the 5 to 7 inch size, which cradled nicely in the narrow
Nordkapp hull, two or more deep. I anticipated the effects of concerted
perturbation at sea, but ultimately knew a roll would add difficulties beyond
measure. Certainly to some degree - pardon the pun - I was able to use a
subtle shifts of the load when initiated by myself, to help keep the kayak on
edge for tracking back to the cove(s) in my pre-ruddered hull design with no
fin. This was balls-out paddling for sure - pre family you know. Where do all
those youthful years go anyway Craig?

Doug Lloyd (trying to do some light arm weights in bed, looking forward to
spring paddling again)
  -Hi Doug. I think that it all depends on what you want to do with the kayak.
If you have to punch through several miles of crud to get someplace then your
ideal boat is likely to be heavier and longer and more stable (certainly
laterally). If you just want to get through 100 yards of surf and then 1/4
mile down to a rock garden then it's likely to be much different.

  What would a couple hundred pounds of rocks do to your kayak in terms of
getting it back upright? Did you stuff them in tightly so there would be
little movement. Otherwise the term "free surface effect" springs to mind.

  Hang in there!!!

  Craig Jungers
  Royal City, WA
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************