Re: [Paddlewise] Feed the Need

Jerry,
I appreciate your perspective on "feedback." I think that may well sumarize 
what I'm missing in a kayak at the moment. I've always equated 
responsiveness with a degree of tippiness, simply because the kayak responds 
to hip movement so much faster. However my experience with the Nordkapp HS 
and HM is that there isn't a lot of responsiveness to carving turns using 
body language and strokes, as it were. I like the Mariner II. It does as you 
suggest. It just felt like too much boat underfoot for me - not sure why. I 
know the Foster Legend does much the same but feels very tender. I wonder 
why Nigel attributed this kayak with the degree of tenderness he did. Faster 
point A to B?

I think the cross section of the type of performace playboat you suggest is 
a boxy cross section. That's a departure for me and something I would have 
to acclimatize too. Also, while a lot of these kayaks do well in tide races 
and rock gardens, I like a kayak that is fun in high wind and waves (that 
wildness factor). From what I've read, the Illusion is one of the few kayak 
designs promising performance in all the other criteria, as well as high 
wind.

We shall see what direction I will go. Nick has some interesting hull 
designs too one could spring board off from if I build my own kayak in 
frustration. How much rocker I'd want is something that is really one big 
compromise. So, my thoughts are a bit random right now, however it is time 
for a change for me.

Doug Lloyd

> Doug,
> A few points/questions:
> 1)  It seems unlikely that someone of long experience in a tippy Nordkapp 
> is more likely to flip than in a slightly more stable boat.  The issue is 
> whether that small bit of chine and stability gives you slightly better 
> feedback, and more comfort in a rough sea.  Also, whether the response to 
> leans is more precise than in the rounder hull, thus providing finer 
> control.  The Maelstrom video you sent showing fine edge control on the 
> wave seems to indicate this.
>
> 2) I do not believe there would be any difference whatever in ease of 
> rolling back up between these boats you are considering, as long as the 
> fit is good.  On the other hand, a cowboy re-entry might be easier in the 
> slightly more stable boat.
>
> 3) For example, compare the Mariner II.  Way more stable than the Nordkapp 
> LV but not too stable, significantly speedier, responds accurately to 
> leans on its chines.  I would be most interested in why you might favor 
> the NLV for a rough passage, although I would expect the NLV to be quicker 
> for play in tide races or surf.  I am not familiar with the Tiderace or 
> Maelstrom boats, other than their web sites, but they seem in design to be 
> somewhere between the NLV and the Mariner II.
>
> 4)  Which is most important to you; efficient A to B rough condition 
> travel, or play in tide races and surf?  This may lean you toward one or 
> another of the boats you are considering.
>
> 5)  How much rocker is more rocker than one wishes?  From the photos the 
> Maelstrom seems to have significantly more rocker than the Tiderace.
>
> Jerry
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