"Jeff Potter (of OutYourBackdoor.com)" wrote...

PS: Again, this is perhaps really a discussion about the two main
different ways of seakayaking. Curveboat or straightboat. Or, what are
the official names? Greenland style versus, uh, Euro? ...Glider vs.
Pintail... Can't get more different!

My initial readings of the differences a

*Glider: fast, awkward
"Pintail: slow, comfy

Ugh, what a dilemma!

I suppose there are (quite a few?) boats that are happy in the middle
or perhaps solve both needs. ?

Again, without knowing the actual speeds attainable in each kayak, it's
impossible to suggest an "in the middle" boat. How "fast" is the glider?
How "slow" is the Pintail? Is it only a perception, or is the speed
difference real?

Also, handling is another issue. How do each of them handle in a cross- or
following sea? Do they need rudders to maintain control? If so, how much
does the rudder slow them down?

I'm a fan of KISS. I built my Coho without a rudder, and am very pleased
with its handling without one. Every time I see one of the fancy 'glass
kayaks, I wonder how they would handle without their [various] retractable
rudders & skegs. I also wonder how I would manhandle a 65#+ kayak to the
top of the car without help...