Craig, It was you and Jjerry who have been most influencial for me over the last year. You, because you reminded me last year that a guy who has spent as much time in his Nordkapp as I have would very likely have a difficult adjustment to a different kayak. I kinda blew it by going out and buying another one; Jim was tempting me with a sleek classic a while back up for auction and I was really wondering. Jerry on the other hand is bullish for a modicum of reserve bouyany in a good sea kayak, which while is to be appreciated for sure, wasn't something I'm overly worried about. What's the worse that can happen with a tipper boat? You flip over? So. So roll back up, big deal. In actuality, the tipper kayak rolls back up easier and often once you realize your kayak is paddle-active dependent, then what does it matter? Out in rough seas, you're paddle-active anyway. Craig, you have maintained this perponderance of necessary stability as well as Jerry for a while now I think, specifically that a tender kayak while having some attributes that are possibly advantageuos for a sea kayaker, just didn't fit with a rough water play boat where some reserve stability should be appreciated. For me it comes down to different facets of the argument. I'm looking for a kayak with some speed so that may mean 17 feet or so. There are a few designs that promise speed while still behaving like a shorter playboat. Those paddlers in the know can distinguish this attribute as valid as opposed to add copy. The other issue is stability while edging. If I am to move away from a ruddered mean machine, it is a priority to have something I can maintain a good lean in or maintain exaggerated edging for a duration sufficient to clear a passage with heavy, heavy quartering seas. For rock gardens and tidal races, often in storm tossed conflageration, stable, manouverable, and tough-hulled and well-fitting are paramount. The Illusion appears to be one of the few kayaks that offer much of this as well as promise paddler-specific fit right from the layup. I will have to try one. My sources on Westcoast paddler also indicate a lot of promise for the Maelstrom line - and it's Canadian. I know if I had the time I'd be in my shop making my own kayak right now, but alas. As for a SOF, sure, nice characteristics but I'm not sure about heading out to Race Rocks in 40 knot winds with a strong tide running. Not solo, not without bulkheads and and and... I wouldn't mind an SOF in my fleet, but that might not get a thumbs up from the boss, who likes her garden space - the little she has left amongst the clutter of bikes and kayaks and gear already within the foot-print. I also do like the Mariner hulls and if I designed my own kayak, I'd really look more seriously at those hulls. There are some awesome full-on play boats out there too. Local paddlers are increasingly adding these to their quiver. I'm still looking for something that will do all that but can be taken out for a 10 day trip too - and have fun touring through the rock gardens and other hydraulics I find along the way. I'm still wanting to meet my lay-out objectives is a kayak design too if I can. That day-locker hatch is important to me. A pinched or low front deck is a must. The option of a heavy lay-up is a must. Good sized hatches are a preference. And watertight. And no, I'm not so positive about the Sea Dog units on Sterling's boats. Anyway, I've got a day off and I'm being reminded in the background about how much yardwork there is so ta ta for now. Doug > On Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 5:33 PM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote: > >> Stable enought to drink a cup of tea while surfing i think... >> >> http://www.youtube.com/user/maelstromkayak >> >> > That would be exciting for about 5 minutes, maybe. But I bet the really > exciting part is getting that long boat into that spot.... and then out of > it again. > > I told Doug back-channel that there are at least two of Brian's F-1 SOF > kayaks in the Victoria area. Would one of you guys please invite Doug > Lloyd > to paddle yours? Pretty please. :D > > Craig Jungers > Moses Lake, 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Jun 13 2009 - 09:08:02 PDT
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