Re: [Paddlewise] Feed the Need

Jerry,

Right you are. I currently have a S&G with "V'ed" hull with chines and I 
don't get the feedback I want, nor do I appreciate the tendency for it to 
"flop" over starboard or port depending on how the hull feels that day. :-) 
Admittedly, the kayak was designed to carry a heavy load.

I'm not sure where some of these kayaks get their following, but then look 
at me and my Nordkapp for so many years. Certainly some designs out there do 
certain things really well but may have objective faults (or annoyances) in 
others.

As for an earlier question why I though the NLV might be a good choice for 
rough passages, I was thinking of the ability to surf waves and counter 
broaches which the NLV in touted as being abler to do. My problem is I'm 
increasingly drawn to rough tidal passages which mix with high winds and a 
somewhat boxy section not only has feedback but has some reserve stability 
too for edging.

I do appreciate your correspondence with me. All points are considered. I do 
know Nigel can paddle circles around even the best paddlers in their Valley 
kayaks, but is it the boat or the paddler?

Not sure which is my problem. :-)

Doug




> Doug,
> If you compare the NF Legend to the Nordkapp, both are very tippy (too 
> tippy for me), but you have a 'boxy' vs a round cross section.  So chines 
> do not necessarily provide either reserve stability or feedback.  Have you 
> considered the Necky Chatham 18, only 20" in beam, with chines?  It feels 
> quite stable and progressive when leaning, but I do not recall how 
> responsive it is to carving.  It will certainly be fast.
>
> I also wonder about the Nigel Foster designs.  When you lean they do not 
> feel progressive, preferring to be on one chine or the other.  What is the 
> point?
>
> So I am not suggesting a 'boxy' cross section, rather a bit of the right 
> kind of chine, whatever that means.
>
> Jerry
>
>
>
>> 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
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************