The only problem I had was facing into the wind, she wanted to act more like a top then a boat. Really like her back to the wind. Will the skig be a major help with into the wind tracking or just be something I will knock off on a rock? Is dealing with the wind best dealt with by learning to use my paddle? Only had trouble when my paddle was across my knees while casting or just sitting and day dreaming. Thanks.
Joe, your boat looks like you enjoyed building it, and enjoy paddling it. I'm also betting that you have already garnered compliments on it too?
Most of the time, you want a canoe trimmed a bit nose high. Two times you would reverse that, and trim nose low: (1) Heading into the current, or especially when (2) heading into the wind.
Two simple ways to check trim. As you paddle, a bit of water will accumulate in the boat. Carry a sponge in between your feet to deal with this. Watch the water to see which way it tries to run. It will, obviously, run to the lower end of the boat.
If you choose to get real high tech, get one of the simple bull's eye levels like used to level RV's with. Place your boat on a level surface, use a bubble level in the bottom of the boat to confirm level both fore and aft and side to side. Use little shims to prop up under the boat to achieve this. Then, using something like silicone silastic, or some other gooey glue, mount the bull's eye level in a handy spot where you can look straight down on it from your seated position. I mount it right on the side of the seat.
Kayak Jack
Doing what you like is FREEDOM
Liking what you do is HAPPINESS
I spent most of my money on whiskey and women - and I'm afraid I just wasted the rest.
Thanks Matt & Jack, first rate advice. Yesterday I had my seat about 6" behind the seam. This morning as a starting point I moved it forward 4" and the boat showed marked improvement in all aspects of its handling, even seamed to paddle a bit faster. After a while I put in to stretch a bit and moved it forward another four to see what would happen. I must be pretty level at this point because the water seems to stay right under my seat. The boat feels as if it is easier to paddle to get to full speed, seems a bit steadier, tracks into the wind almost the same as no wind and just feels better. Thanks again guys
Joe W.
I'll forward an address where you can send the $50,000, Jack
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