Re: [Paddlewise] How tough are SOF

In a message dated 4/5/2007 1:04:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,  
douglloyd_at_shaw.ca writes:

Truth  is, any kayak is subject to surf damage, especially filled with water. 
The  Cape Falcon guys seem to put their SOF's through the surf grinder, with  
undue abandon. I'd hate to have a wooden hull rib break at the chine while  
surfing and impale my buttocks though. Harvey G, I don't think, reports  
structural problems in SOF surfing, though he tends to hit the back of his  
head on the rear deck when the waves get too big! Guess you better  configure 
your SOF aft deck beams to anthropocentrically miss your head,  rather 
cradling it on the softer skin part between deck beams.  :-)




>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
Brian Schulz (Cape Falcon Kayaks) is fun to paddle with, an energetic mind  
to say the least. He does beat the hell out of his boats, too. On the link 
below  his pinky SOF (what was he thinking, really?) is juxtaposed nicely in a 
decent  rock garden. The photos are from the PCTIKS (Pacific Coastal Traditional 
Inuit  Kayak Symposium), many of which I took.
 
_http://capefalconkayak.com/pctiksphotos.html_ 
(http://capefalconkayak.com/pctiksphotos.html) 
 
The PCTIKS event spurred much debate regarding their use in coastal waters  
on the qajaqusa web site. Some boaters questioned the seaworthyness in  a 
coastal setting, raising concerns of holing the boat, crushing the frame, etc.  
Even some died in the wool SOF'ers would not bring theirs as it elevated the  
risk a bit much, in their opinion. Personally, I don't agree with the dissenters  
that only a hardshell boat with bulkheads and hatches meets ocean paddling  
seaworthyness standards. I've done most of my best trips in a Khatsalano, a  
different animal I know, but is more SOF like than my NDK Romany HV. It has  
proven to be a very durable boat. The link below is a story I posted on another  
board. Good pics of one of Brian's boat designs.
 
_http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk/osa_peninsula/art_osa_pen.htm_ 
(http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk/osa_peninsula/art_osa_pen.htm) 
 
The focus then turned into a what features your boat needs to  have 
discussion. A deck line we can tow you from, serious floatation and design  one could 
handle. Brian made a group buy of Corey Freedman's extra long float  bags and 
those without good floatation bought them there. Everyone survived. 
 
My point: SOF's are very tough. Do they have vulnerabilites? Don't we  all.
 
Cheers,
 
Rob G



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