A/B ratio
above waterline/below waterline
when you’re at the bottom end of the capacity for a kayak you find the limits for control when the wind picks up.
Another kayak worth checking out is the Chatham 17 if you want a stable higher volume boat that’s manageable in high winds when unladen.
actually…
actually like the t-170 in high winds going down wind or crosswind—nothing more comfortable in following seas–its just the lee cocking issue when turning into a high wind in heavy seas
no kidding
but you aren’t fighting the extra windage on those headings.
If you try and balance the boat for that particular heading by adding weight to the bow you’ll be fighting it on others. You can add more weight overall and it’ll require more hp.
But having a lower volume kayak with less windage will enable you to point where you want to go with more energy to get there.
I’d suggest getting near those conditions again and see what improvements you can make on your technique.
THEN try out a lower volume kayak.
Shearwater 17
for some reason the WS site is saying the Tempest 165 capacity is 300lbs and the glass 170 is 325lbs. Methinks the 165 is closer to 275lbs. Anywho the Shearwater your friend paddled is on this list. I built a Merganser/Shearwater 16,17W and 18 and the 16 is lower volume than the Tempest 165. At 200lbs I felt there was maybe room for 50lbs of stuff in a Tempest 165 before it felt overloaded, in a Merganser/Shearwater 16 it was pretty much at top capacity at 200lbs.
http://www.shearwater-boats.com/chooser.htm
lots of good advice!
just got back fro a week+ in Kachamak bay AK!
mostly had windy, rainy, stormy seas and was a HOOT!!!
can you send me a picture of your boat hull profile and the serial number? a few boats have gone out that had less than perfect rocker profile and will lee cock but I find it strange that it performs well 99% of the time. sounds like a possible trim issue. On our recent trip my very wet, soggy tent and tarp were enough to overload the bow and I had weathercock issues even with the skeg depolyed. we had used considerable water from the stern and food was down and I didn’t compinsate. just loading the tent aft made all the difference!
steve
pictures!
Nothing like a challenge to learn good,or at least better technnique. The good thing about the Tempest is that it will respond to good technique and facillitate learning it.
I will
Can’t get it right now but will send you the serial number tommorrow and I will get someone to take a digital photo of the hull—tried to send you a private e-mail when this first happened but couldn’t get past your spam blocker–It has only happened twice, and the last time, about 9 days ago wasn’t as bad as the first time—winds weren’t quite as high and I had learned the leeward forward sweep followed by a bowrudder on the upwind side.—It has only happened twice, both times going into the wind with strong breezes–over 20 knots and sea over 2.5 feet–the first time I could not for love or money turn the bow into the wind—second time I could but as I said above was definity lee cocking—anyway I’ll get the info for you—its a 2003 RM Tempest 170–was that the first year it was made?
02 methinks
but the ol’ brain is subject to many ‘farts’. I have some documentation but not here. i’ll check.
methinks the '03’s are not a problem but send me a pic anywho.
far as loading the boat goes I can legitamately put my 180lb body PLUS as mant water bottles as the boat will hold and still paddle/handle the boat OK. The stability is huge and except for a little bow diving it’s pretty fun. the biggest issue is balance fore/aft affecting the tracking/ wind balance. it’s EZ to overload the bow BUT this leads to weathercock issues NOT leecocking.
steve
serial number
WKY12468K203—the boat never has had a leecocking problem when loaded—in fact that’s when she’s a real lady as far as handling goes—only when its relativly empty—except for the day hatch and only when its blowing over 20 knots and choppy over 2.5 feet. I am in the process of trying to find someone with a digital camera to send you a photo–please send me a private e-mail with an address that I can send it to.