Matt, et al: I'd like some objective comment regarding a kayak's overall asymmetrically profiled shape as seen from above with respect to forward paddling efficiency at a moderate sprint. I demoed an Atlantis Spartan VI last year. I liked the kayak for the quality construction, fact it was a local kayak, had a bonded-in skeg line, large oval hatch at bow (many only have a round hatch located there), nice low wind profile, reasonable responsiveness in all regards, good foot and cargo room, and paddled efficiently at 3.5 knots. Here's the profile seen from the top: http://www.atlantiskayaks.com/spartanvi.htm While I know Matt that so much of a kayak's performance originates from the various hull curves and asymmetry at various sectional levels, you can see from the overall top profile that the Spartan's forward bow section provided a narrow entry line but flares quickly at the front bulkhead. When I got the kayak up to 4 knots then tried sustaining it at further speeds, there just didn't seem like any real return for the effort. It would move smartly along but then fall off rapidly. Even though my Nordkapp is Fish-form, it didn't do this. I always felt I was the limiting factor at 5 knots. Other kayak profiles show Swede form with long, more graduated entry line, plus the fact the gear mostly stuffs in the rear compartment where the Swede form has its bulk. Atlantis may be coming out with a shorter play boat next year and P&H has a new offering thins year, but I have not seen the profiles yet. The Cetus certainly is big-butted, but suffers from weather cocking a bit. So, is the Spartan VI profile the issue with top speed question? Thanks. 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Mar 25 2010 - 17:53:29 PDT
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