Kayak stabilty

[Wes]

If anyone's interested this is a pretty complete explanation.Kayak stability (http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/Design/StabilityArticle.html)

[joev]

Good article Jim

So I guess now I know why those Cobras go fast once they go.


I did feel a bit safer in the Pungo in the big stuff but it was too slow and low.

JoeV

[ruge13]

great article...

[SamRiley]

And all the while I thought that it was a pack of scuba diving elves keeping my yak upright... who'd a thunk

Fantastic find Wes. Thanks :)

[Wes]

Sam, I wouldn't discount the elves theory just yet, I've seen where you go. ;)

I can bore you to tears with what I have in the "more than you ever wanted to know" file.

My non-expert theory on the open water capability of the Tarpon is that it works despite it's width. Hull has a relatively round shape and multi-chined flaired sides so it acts narrower and responds to body english. Flare is carried into the ends which is probably why it pounds in chop but I think it also makes it broach less in following seas. Doesn't stop you from pole vaulting it in surf landings though.

[JonS]

Very good article with all the tech stuff for people who want it. There's essentially two types of stability as I see it. Initial and secondary. Beginners want initial and experienced paddlers want secondary. Yaks like Cobras are huge on initial and very low on secondary. Viva la difference and choice.