Boat Forum / Paddle Boats / September 2007

Some time ago I was told by Vaclav Stejskal of OneOceanKayaks.com that
beyond 17 feet or so longer boats do not provide an efficiency
advantage. Yet we know that surf skis and other racing boats are often
as long as 22ft. After playing with Kayak Foundry, a freeware program

Me and my wife are 175 and 130 lbs, respectively. We used to do a lot
of high-altitude backpacking, thus, we are used to traveling light
(say, ~30 lb packs for a 7 day trip?). Most of standard canoes we've
tried - Wenonah Minnesota II, Spirit II, Aurora look more like SUVs.

The "Long Boats and Drag" thread has me going on something that's
been bugging me for a few years now:  would making my 12' 6"
WaveWitch (planing hull in the back, clipper front) 2-3" narrower
do anything significant for it's top end?

I'm thinking of making two stitch-and-glue kayaks, and would
appreciate suggestions on the best designs for this area. We will be
in the Seattle/San Juan/Gulf Islands/BC/Alaska area mostly. They will
mostly be used for day trips, beach landing for hiking etc. Not really

I'm interested in making a kayak out of higher-density closed-cell
foam and epoxy/fiberglass.
Why do I see so many plywood kayaks, and so few plans for foam core
kayaks?

Have any of you developed a successful method for patching a cracked
polyethylene boat (not crosslinked)?  I have a '97 Dagger Cascade that has
cracked on the cowl where the pull strap on the skirt is located.  I have
glued it (E6000) to a piece of plastic molded to fit.  That ...

What would be the best way to secure sot's through scupper holes?
Cables are prone to cutting, but perhaps something similar to a U-lock
for kayaks. Meant for permanent storage. Thanks in advance!

Is it bad to store a composite kayak outdoors for the winter?
I would have it all closed up so no animals get in.
I have not decided if I will wrap it in plastic of some sort.
Thanks,

Has anybody come across this before?
This spring, when we brought out our Dagger Dimension to be cleaned up after
winter storage, we noticed 2 cracks both about 4 inches long about a foot in
front of the stern pedestal seat about in the area where the center airbags

Trip report on Middle Fork of the Salmon
Pictures:  www.rapids2.myphotoalbum.com
Two of our best friends turned 50 this summer, so what better way to
celebrate than a trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon, or so we hoped. In

CONTROVERSIAL MANEUVER: Heimlich's claim that his famous procedure can
save near-drowning victims is disputed by many, including his own son
by Michael Riley, Staff Writer, Asbury Park Press, August 14, 2007
---

How do you deal with relieving yourself?
When I  go out for a paddle, I usually go for several hours. During this
time, I can get out on the shore, and do what I need to do.
With a wetsuit, its even easyer.

Living on the coast of Nova Scotia provides tremendous paddling
opportunities, nearly year round.  I seriously enjoy  distance solo
paddles along some of the more hostile sections of the coast. A
acquaintance whom belongs to a large paddling club was almost to the