Subject: Re: [baidarka] Choosing a first skinboat
From: MICHAEL SILVIUS (m.silvius@worldnet.att.net)
Date: Sat Jun 21 2003 - 09:57:35 EDT
> Here is my question: What boat would be best suited for a 250 LB carcass
> like mine. My first use will be to learn to roll in the boat because I
> will be doing surf launches.
Scott:
At the risk of ruffling some feathers on the board, I'd say that neither of
those designs are particularly good rollers. Especialy the Hooper Bay type.
I'm sure it has been done, though the larger dimensions of both those types
your'e conssidering would make it harder. You could build them a bit
narower, w/ smaler cockpit hoops and delete the aft deck ridge and this may
be to your advantage if you want a rolling boat. Otherwise I'd advise a
greenland type SOF.
Pick up Robert Morris' book, Building Skin On Frame Boats for a good idea
of where you can go w/ types of kayaks. Also Chris Cuningham's Building
(The) Greenland kayak and Mark Starr's Building (A) Grenland kayak could be
helpful in making your choices.
> I really like the lines
> of the Baidarka but am concerned that with my weight it will porpoise
> and might be to tender for my large body.
Don't let that be to much of an issue. I know plenty of larger paddlers
using skinny greenland kayaks successfully. sure they burry the bow
ocationaly but is is a wet endeavour after all.
> On the other hand, I am
> concerned that the Hooper Bay style might be too beamy for me to
> successfully roll.
As I pointed out the Hooper Bay is way to big IMHO for that kind manouver.
Plus the cockpit winds up being far to deep for proper rolling. (12+++)
Theres absolutely nothing wrong w/ either of those kayaks, and I'd
certainly encourage anyone to build either one. (I intend to at some point)
It is just for rolling I think you'd be happier w/ something a lot less
freeboard.
Michael
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