Boat Building Forum

Find advice on all aspects of building your own kayak, canoe or any lightweight boats

New Design count.
By:Hans Friedel
Date: 8/6/2000, 8:30 pm

Hi again

I have now tested my new kayak in waves and wind. The wind was 5-7 m/s and the waves 0.3-0.6m sweet water chop. It was a no genoas weather more like jib and windsurfing weather. It was a stronger summer wind real nice actually.

Paddling against the sea was no problem the kayak hits the waves in the hatch area or chest area like most fish boats. The kayak is rather dry the vee deck works real nice. Paddling with the wind from the side was no problems either but I haven't had any problems with this kind of wind in any hard chine kayak.

The kayak has a rudder so course keeping was no problem either. This is my first kayak with a rudder since I am a sailor it feels a bit strange to steer towards the "wrong" direction but after a wile I got use to it.

The kayak is actually like two hulls fitted together. I have my heels near the centerline and my toes pointing towards the sides. Because you have your feet's more close to the centerline you will have more space above them witch feels nice

Surfing was no problems either I have hade some problems before with more flat bottom kayaks but this time I added a bit more vee and rocker to the hull witch made the surf feel a bit safer.

The pivot point is in the middle of the kayak.

In about two weeks I will make a longer trip with some friends I will than have a chance to compare my kayak with some other types of kayaks.

But so far the kayaks has turned out just fine I must say.

Messages In This Thread

New Design count.
Hans Friedel -- 8/6/2000, 8:30 pm
Re: New Design count.
lee -- 8/6/2000, 11:21 pm
Re: New Design count.
Hans Friedel -- 8/7/2000, 2:27 am
Re: New Design count.
Robb -- 8/6/2000, 10:36 pm
Re: New Design count.
Hans Friedel -- 8/7/2000, 2:24 am