Re: [Paddlewise] Another Tiderace Review

Yes, overall, the Mariner line of kayaks seems to be the penultimate line of
kayaks that do well without rudders or skegs. I do admit that. An active
paddling style with a responsive hull design without auxiliary appendages must
arguably be the hallmark of achieving the perfect compromise of design. I'd
never take that away from Matt or Cam.

As for my preferences, I don't know what to tell you. I've paddled Matt's
boats and the NDKs. Certainly the NDK's are all the rage these days around the
PNW for the performance boat crowd - certainly the Romany for those who can
fit them. I'm not sure if that is because of the cult status these boats have
been given by better coaches like the folks at Body/Boat/Blade, or because
kayaks like the Romany truly excel for the intended audience. I don't like the
boat. Wish I did. I've seen guys like Gordin W. come into there own once they
found their perfect ride. I'm still looking for mine. And, I can assure you I
will find, make, or modify my perfect ride one day.

And, I must admit, it is difficult pulling myself away from the Igdlorssuit
inspired lineage just about all British kayaks are derived from. I'm not so
sure hard chines are my bag, perhaps too slappy in waves, slower, and less
predictable in heavy seas; it does seem most recreational paddlers in the end
are happy with some bilge roundness, while the harder chin kayaks do best in
an SOF build where there is flex and give. It also seems apparent to me that
British paddlers tend to like to paddle what their peers are paddling. That's
almost axiomatic too.

I also wonder what happened to the Lee Moyer, Pacific Water Sports line of
kayaks. They were another local PNW line of kayaks that had good success and a
goodly following. Oh, I know the history with Lee and his ex and all that, but
I still wonder why these manufactures come and go, rather than their designs
just getting better and better, like Valley and P&H. Even the Mariners were
out of production for some time.

My old Nordkapp fit me like a glove, allowed for complete confidence I could
get through anything - and often did, and I've never climbed in another boat
that made me feel that way (even discounting the
never-as-familiar-with-your-old-boat phenomenon). If I lower the profile a bit
more, shape in a bit more rocker, add a Keriteck skeg or rudder and lighten it
up, I may just go with that.

Oh, and Craig, sitting here today listening to some old 80's feel-good light
rock, the fleeting memories of the early 80's came flooding back: driving down
to Seattle, my Nordkapp on the roofracks, looking for some good gear I
couldn't by here at the time, then heading over to Cape Flattery - youth
intact, sense of adventure keen, loads of life still ahead of me, no limits to
the horizon, no irrational fears of the ocean holding my at bay - those were
the days. They pass far too quickly my friend.

Doug


    with more emphasis on a tight-fitting, low-profile design that tracks well
in open waters, can still be played with in rock gardens, and has a good turn
of speed full out, yet paddles easily and burns less calories at routine
paddling speeds.

  I really don't think you can get all this in one design; certainly not
without adding skegs, etc. Not that this is bad, mind you (we all know that I
have no problems with rudders, etc.) but it seems that the majority of boats
have to make compromises to get the form that their customers want as well as
the handling characteristics. Duane's point seems to have been that Mariner
got this right; why hasn't anyone else?
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************