Kayak and Canoe Design Bulletin Board

Re: outrigger design

Posted By: Paul J
Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2003, at 4:33 p.m.

In Response To: outrigger design (Randy Knauff)

: Looking at Easy Rider, CLC, others who make or use outriggers for sailing
: kayaks or rowing options, the outrigger hulls are usually quite narrow and
: deep.
: What would be the advantage of this as opposed to a more rounded hull shape
: that would give more bouyancy for the same length or shorter length and
: perhaps have less wetted surface?

: Thanks.
: Randy

The shape of the outrigger will definitely affect performance. As an outrigger canoe paddler, I've learned the shape of the outrigger should be driven by the typical water conditions you expect. For flat, no wind conditions I would go with the shape that give the least overall resistance for the speed range you expect. A narrower ama will cut through surface chop easier and not be bounced up as readily, adding to stability, but probably increasing drag. A wider, shorter outrigger will definitely bounce or 'pop' on you and is more susceptible to wind resistance which can make things a little mor twitchy, but surfing downswell will give less resistance as it will skip over the tops of chop.

As usual, you get to pick the trade offs.

Good luck.

Messages In This Thread

outrigger design
Randy Knauff -- Tuesday, 13 May 2003, at 4:16 p.m.

Re: outrigger design
Yoav Rosen -- Tuesday, 13 May 2003, at 8:12 p.m.

Re: outrigger design
Paul J -- Wednesday, 14 May 2003, at 4:33 p.m.

Re: outrigger design
Randy Knauff -- Wednesday, 14 May 2003, at 5:25 p.m.

Re: outrigger design
Paul J -- Wednesday, 14 May 2003, at 7:05 p.m.

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