Subject: Re: [baidarka] Stern question
From: Tom (thomas-simpson@shaw.ca)
Date: Sun Mar 13 2005 - 15:58:53 EST
Alexander Leon wrote
I had the devil of a time getting into my first Baidarka frame, until
Imoved the masik forward about six or more inches. I was lucky in that I
tested it for fit before covering. In later construction, I also raised
>the ridge of the masik, so it is easier to get in and out. This is a
>point that makes it a lot more comfortable for guests when they want to
>try it out. Even so, I often get a chuckle when some kid says he's
>experienced with tippy boats, and promptly turns turtle!
>As for the rear of the coaming, I build it thick enough so I can form it
>at an angle to allow me to lean back, then I install a backrest inside,
>that tips back as I lean, so I usually am not leaning on the coaming
>itself, anyway. If the masik can be raised, the rear deck can also be
>lowered a bit, but not too much - you don't want to upset the
>weather-helm balance.
>Maneuverability improves if you lean to the side while turning.
>Fishing? I once lost my hat, trying to cast into a school of bluefish
>and nearly flipped :-0. I dropped the rod, but managed to retrieve it
>because the line had caught on my paddle! Took me a while to reel it
>in... ;-)...but no fish.
>
>Alec
>
>
Alec- I too lengthened the cockpit and added tilt for comfort. My last
3 kayaks have all had flat rear decks. It does reduce internal storage
space substantially but these are day - use kayaks .
I've gone to floating coaming hoops on my last 5 kayaks one was about
33" long and is fine strengthwise. The others are about 28" long.
The most maneuverable kayak I built was based on the North Baffin
CMC-IV-X-96 . You can turn over 180 degrees with one paddle stroke and
yet it tracked well enough.
Tom
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