Subject: Re: baidarka Reverse Sheer.
From: kyak@rockisland.com
Date: Mon Dec 11 2000 - 11:19:00 EST
At 09:45 PM 12/10/2000 -0800, you wrote:
>Ok, I understand what it is (I think). What does it do? My understanding is
>that reverse sheer is the gunwales of the boat (or widest point, i.e. sheer)
>angling downward from the midpoint out to the bow/stern. What I don't get is
>the practical function of it.
Bering sea reverse sheer helps create a qayaq with generous interior volume
while allowing for a straight profile that is balanced in regards to
windage. It is a way to concentrate hull volume near the paddler. Coupled
with the steeper decks it means a hull with large carrying capacity when you
need, but one with minimal wetted surface area till it's needed. Lots of
reserve buoyancy out in those ends too. Try to put one of these bows under
if you don't believe me.
The slightly "humped" sheer also means the paddler is in a "protected" zone
that is relatively higher and drier that a conventionally sheered boat might
be, probably a plus with that larger sized cockpit opening and the general
nastiness of bering sea weather condiitons.
One important point stressed by elders in every community I've worked in so
far is DON'T overdo the reverse sheer or you begin to compromise stability.
Visit Kayak Way:
http://www.rockisland.com/~kyak
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