Message-Id: <199701161857.KAA06243@ns1.intelenet.net>
From: Wolfgang Brinck <wolfgang.brinck@hksystems.com>
Subject: Re: Baidarkas in surf (fwd)
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 97 12:53:34 CST
In-Reply-To: <32DE36D6.163@capecod.net>; from "Bill Low" at Jan 16, 97 9:10 am
>
> Kirk Olsen wrote:
> >
> > Forwarded message:
> >
> > The following is from erransea@aol.com
> >
> > > I am new to this list, and have neither built nor paddled a baidarka. But
> > > after reading about them and talking to a few people who have built them, I
> > > am very interested. I have a question regarding their strength...
> > >
> > > I like to paddle the outer coast, and occasionally end up landing or
> > > launching through sizeable surf (3-8 feet). Launching through waves of this
> > > size, the bow frequently ends up hanging out in space as you pop over a wave
> > > just before it curls.
> > >
> > > Can a baidarka that is loaded with gear for an extended trip endure this kind
> > > of treatment? Will the weight in the bow bend the frame? I generally paddle
> > > with about 100 lbs. of camping gear for a 2-3 week trip, and try to pack the
> > > heaviest stuff towards the middle of the boat, but still there is a fair
> > > amount of weight at the bow. Also, can you carry a loaded boat up the beach,
> > > or do you need to unload it first?
> > >
> > > Anyone's actual experience in such situations would be greatly appreciated.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Erran Seaman
> > >
> I started thinking about your question last night. While I certainly
> have never launched into 8' waves. I avoid that like the plague. I do
> have some information that may help.
>
> I build a rather standard baidarka 17' long, wood frame fabric skin.
> During construction I support it on 2 cradles built on saw horses
> usually placed about 3' from the ends. I usually demonstrate the
> flexibility of the boat by pushing down on the bow or stern which raises
> the opposite end showing how the boat can flex. During this time the
> boat shows no sign of over stressing.
>
> This is a standard beam experiment. The boat weighs about 37#. If you
> figure that the weight of the stern section is about 35# its length is
> 14' the torque about the front cradle is 7'x35# or 245 foot pounds. That
> section of the boat is the smallest and yet can easily stand the strain.
>
> I you divided your load equally bow & stern and put the 50# in the peak
> and the wave supported the boat 7' back from the bow the torque
> generated would be about 3.5'x 50# or 175#. Should be well within the
> strength of the hull.
>
> As to carrying a loaded boat. I have picked up my wife's boat by the
> stern, when she was bottomed out on the beach with her in it, and
> carried the stern into deeper water.
>
> I don't know if this helps but I have found that the Aleut design is
> tough and strong. I must take my hat off to the Aleut Marine Engineers
> and the Naval Arks.
>
> Bill Low
> billow@capecod.net
>
I pretty much have to concur with Bill Low.
I haven't done anything real drastic with a loaded boat, but empty, I
have done a number of enders where I have planted the tail or nose of
the boat in the sand and had the surf flip me over. The boat hasn't
taken a beating other than a break in the keelson near the rear joint
in a three piece keelson. However, this wasn't debilitating.
I have had damage to a boat when it filled up with water and got smashed
against some ice. However, if you can avoid solid objects when landing,
your boat should be ok. Even where I have had structural damage, it was
localized and did not render the boat unusable. a broken rib or broken
stringer or broken keelson will not make the boat unusable since every
joint is lashed and since the skin still applies pressure to the frame
and holds everyting together.
--
wolfgang. /|
brinck@h / oo wolf
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