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Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
By:JohnAbercrombie
Date: 7/2/2017, 11:40 am
In Response To: Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks. (Etienne Muller)

Discussing a boat with someone by email, another thought occurred to me, and that is that vital statistics need to be accounted for as well. Weight, height, foot size, fitness level, etc.

Some boats work fairly well across a wide displacement range, some may behave fine, but might handle quite differently at differing displacements, while others may like a specific weight range. It would be a bit unfair to judge a boat harshly that is being used by someone who is totally the wrong size for it.

Et.


All excellent points, Et.

Foot size and 'thigh size' are two elements that can make it impossible for a larger paddler to fit in a boat.
Also, shorter paddlers (shorter leg length) often find the thigh supports (or seat position in relation to the keyhole cockpit) make for uncomfortable paddling. You don't want the paddler's knees contacting the deck.

If a larger paddler can fit into a small boat, it can often make for a sporty and fun day on the water, even if a bit slow. A shorter lighter paddler in a 'big' boat with a bit of breeze is a formula for a tiring and frustrating outing.

The old Sea Kayaker reviews usually included input from paddlers of different sizes, which was good.
So, yes, if posting a review or comments, please include those 'vital statistics' as well as an honest appraisal of skill level and experience.

Messages In This Thread

Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Etienne Muller -- 6/24/2017, 9:42 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
JohnAbercrombie -- 6/24/2017, 10:47 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Etienne Muller -- 6/24/2017, 1:10 pm
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
scottbaxter -- 6/24/2017, 12:19 pm
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Etienne Muller -- 6/24/2017, 1:08 pm
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
JohnAbercrombie -- 6/24/2017, 2:01 pm
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
JohnAbercrombie -- 6/24/2017, 2:05 pm
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
JayBabina -- 6/24/2017, 2:39 pm
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
JohnAbercrombie -- 6/24/2017, 2:10 pm
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Alex Ferguson -- 6/25/2017, 7:42 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Justin -- 6/26/2017, 6:34 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
scottbaxter -- 6/26/2017, 9:47 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
JohnAbercrombie -- 6/26/2017, 11:05 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Rob Macks/Laughing Loon CC&K -- 7/6/2017, 2:30 pm
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Justin -- 7/9/2017, 6:52 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Etienne Muller -- 7/2/2017, 5:19 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
JohnAbercrombie -- 7/2/2017, 11:40 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Jumbliah -- 7/3/2017, 10:34 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Andy Waddington -- 7/21/2017, 11:54 am
Re: Other: Reviewing home built sea kayaks.
Etienne Muller -- 7/21/2017, 2:55 pm