Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1998 01:45:26 -0700
From: lew plummer <jayhawk@sos.net>
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
Subject: Re: [baidarka] Question about sea socks
Patrick Pierquet wrote:
>
>
> I'm thinking about getting a sea sock for my baidarka. But, having never used
> one, I'm wondering how effective/comfortable they are. I suspect they wouldn't
> be very comfortable in the summer, since it's sort of like sitting in a plastic
> bag in the sun. Can anyone comment on this?
Patrick,
I have been using seasocks in both of my skin boats for over 3 years.
Both socks are commercially made water proof nylon. I modified one by
removing the elastic and substituting shroud line -- the bunge cord
works best even though it is bulky. One combing lip is 5/8" yacht braid
the other is 5/8" steam bent oak -- both work well I like the oak best.
The seasocks are great for keeping dirt out of the boats. I paddle at
least 3 times a week year around. The accumulation of dirt and rocks
would be piled high by now. The socks also keep me warm on the winter
outings. If the socks don't fit well and don't contain some type of
stiffeners you will have a few very wet entry's and exits. Ill fitting
socks can also make rescues more difficult. With the sock installed the
boat does stay drier during a self rescue -- trapped air causes the boat
to float higher on the water when inverted. Both leak slowly and the
water proofing is now wearing off. I will make my own and fit it before
I skin my next boat.
I plan on making the new sock out of the same 11.5 oz nylon material
that I skin the boat with. I will seal it with the two part urethane
that I seal the boat with as well. This will maintain the stiffness
required. Hopefully it won't make it to difficult to remove and
install. I will also provide a method of attaching it to the deck
stringer to keep it from falling around my feet. The opening will be
carefully fit to the combing so no wrinkles form -- wrinkles allow skirt
leaks.
4-11-98
I don't use a rudder or rudder peddles. I do use a foot bar like
Greenland boats. I will install the bar across the sea sock latching
the whole assy in sockets on the gunwales. This way the bar will hold
the sock in place.
You should also read the book "Deep Trouble" if you haven't yet. This
book covers numerous kayaking accidents. In the post analysis of the
accidents the importance of the sea sock was mentioned in nearly all
cases.
I really don't notice much difference in temperature summer or winter.
Puget Sound Water temperature remains around 45deg f year around.
Regards, Lew Plummer