Re: [Paddlewise] Short Sea Kayaks

For several years, our family has been using a kayak of my design,  
Ursa 350, for week long trips on the west coast of Vancouver Island  
and Washington. We paddle with friends who have conventional sized  
boats. We do not have trouble keeping with the group but the group is  
not a bunch of speed paddlers. Many of us are old (late 50's) and not  
in a hurry. Many of the group are in their early twenties (two  
generation group)

The Ursa 350 is 350 centimeters long -- 11 feet 6 inches.  Short boats  
are fun and easier in the surf and more maneuverable near the shore  
line. Top speed is lower obviously, but many people that I see out in  
these areas, including ourselves, are not generally paddling very fast.

My kids first used the boats when they were 11 years old on these  
trips. I designed these short boats as an experiment and to make it  
easier for the small kids. They are now late teens but have stuck with  
the same boat.

I am a big fan of short boats. I am getting heavy with age and am  
experimenting with a 14' boat (Ursa 430) to carry me and my gear. My  
gear is also getting heavier as I seek more camping comfort. Trying to  
postpone the need for a mutha ship.

14' is still considered short but after paddling the Ursa 350 for many  
years, it seems long to me.



______________


By the way, one great thing about NOT having a mutha ship is the  
ability to get off the water and into the woods if the weather really  
goes to hell. I like not worrying about dragging an anchor and the like.








On Jul 22, 2009, at 09:32 AM, Craig Jungers wrote:

> I mentioned this once before but only in passing. Chris Cunningham  
> of Sea
> Kayaker Magazine talks about shorter sea kayaks in a recent newsletter
> posting (http://www.seakayakermag.com/2009/09e-newsletters/july/sizingup.htm 
> ).
> It's a trend that was arguably started by the Mariner Coaster which,  
> at only
> 13'6" long, has still gained a reputation as a boat that can be used  
> for
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