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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Reply to Shawn
Posted By: M.Hamilton In Response To: Re: Avocet, Romany, Tempest, speed, etc.. (Shawn Baker)
Date: Saturday, 26 October 2002, at 1:47 p.m.
Shawn, I have not paddled the Explorer, but friends who I trust tell me it's an excellent expedition boat. Due to it's increased waterline I would assume it would be faster in all but very steep / confused conditions. I hear that it is not nearly as nimble as the 16, which stands to reason. I think the Avocet is a great all round boat that to me is more "tracky" than the Romany 16, and thus probably more appealing for general touring. To me it's a great balance. But my preference is for short, "turny" boats. They just are so much more fun, and they get me around just fine. I've never felt the 16 Romany too slow when paddling with others. As a young guy I was really into speed and covering huge distances. Nordkapps, Arluk 1.8's etc. Boats like the Looksha II, Seda Glider, etc., were a lot of fun. But my MO now is about paddling to a cool spot and then playing. And in reality the 16 gets me there efficiently, albeit a bit slower. As you say, it's all about compromise, and body build. I have to wedge my thighs under the Romany's braces. As I think about rocker, I think there is a point in bigger conditions where a shorter boat "fits the troughs", where as a longer craft digs it's ends, or bobs around a lot with windage. Obviously as the sea state changes any given boat may become better or worse, so this is a tough one. But my experience is that shorter and more maneuverable is better..for me anyway. I like the Pintail, but wish it was shorter! Cheers, MH
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