Subject: baidarka Stability
From: Mincher Family (mincher@erols.com)
Date: Thu Dec 14 2000 - 18:46:28 EST
One other factor in this discussion of initial vs. secondary stability
is a force I call "roll monmentum". Vee hulls with low initial
stability suffer the most. Their tendency is to flop over onto
one chine. For the unaware or inexperienced kayaker, the
high center of gravity takes over and the "roll momentum"
gathers speed, overcoming secondary stability and a
capsize results. Experienced paddlers with a variety
of braces and anticipation are not bothered by this.
As in a bike, forward speed seems to dampen this
sideways roll momentum. I have also read of some
Aleuts ballasting their kayaks with rocks, a technique
which, for obvious reasons is not popular today. For
those who have ballasted their kayaks, it would be
interesting to hear their experiences.
Skip Snaith wrote a book on plywood stitch/tape
building where he had drawn up what looked like
the steepest V kayak hull I have ever seen. I know
he contributes to this list on occasion and would like
to know what the stability felt like on this kayak.
Rod Mincher
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