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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Average Speed
Posted By: M. Hamilton In Response To: Average Speed (John)
Date: Friday, 28 February 2003, at 10:59 p.m.
Hi John. This is a common question which you have thought about in more depth than most I think, based on the wording of your post. Many opinions, most only partially correct. You'll hear the standard hull speed formula, which for most kayaks IS pretty accurate. Whether you use 1.34 or 1.4, or even 1.5 (race shells) the key is in the concept that beyond a certain point all displacement hulls require exponential energy to drive. As I think Brianne pointed out "hull speed" is misunderstood. It's NOT ultimate speed, rather that point at which much greater energy is required. I paddle a 16 ft. kayak, and in flat water I work hard to keep up with lesser fit paddlers in longer skinnier boats, but I still keep up. In rough seas I wait for them. There is a point where extra wetted surface doesn't realistically make sense. Many folk buy an 18 ft. boat that actually requires more energy at 3.5-4 knots than a shorter craft. But lets not underestimate the power of ego combined with little knowledge. If speed is what you are after, then go for the longest, roundest, low rockered boat you can handle. Sea state has a lot to do with your choice as well. A Jeep is faster on a pot-holed, rutted road than a Porsche! A Coaster in ten foot seas will NET faster results than a race boat. Good luck.
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