Hank,

I chose to build the Outer Island largely based on its better tracking characteristics. It has less rocker and a sharp V-shaped stern for better trakcing, but it lifts out of the water when put on edge, so it can be corrected quickly, too. I haven't finished it yet, so I haven't paddled it. I read too many comments here on this BBS about people who had to add skegs to their Guillemots because they weren't happy with the tracking. I'm not knocking the Guillemot design overall -- I'm sure it's nice to have quick turning for playing in the rock gardens along the coast of Maine -- but for my Great Lakes paddling tracking is prefered since we have fewer obstacles.

Dean

: Hi All,

: I have a specific question about the Guillemot's handling characteristics and
: would like a bit of input from people that have paddled one.

: I am not aware of a Guillemot in the Ottawa, Ontario area that I can try out
: and all my experience has been with hard chime designs so I would
: appreciate some comments.

: I want to use the Guillemot for long distance touring and don't plan to carry
: anything more that a camera, some rain gear and lunch - 175 to 200 pounds
: fully loaded.

: I have been reading some of the posts about tracking. A bunch of things
: affect tracking - design, paddler weight, weight placement, paddling
: style, rudders, skegs, etc..

: Since I have not started building my Guillemot yet [working on a pair of
: Chesapeake 17 LTs right now] this is the time to make some decisions.

: Do you think the Guillemot design is fine, as is, for my needs? Should I
: consider stretching the form spacing to build a longer kayak. Should I be
: thinking about a retractable or fixed skeg.

: My friend has suggested that a 24 bottle case of beer would be excellent for
: ballast and when that was gone that I would notice/care if I was paddling
: straight or not ;-)

: TIA for the help.

: Hank