> Putz's version suffers from a plunging bow and weathercocking.
> Please explain to this novice what these terms mean and how they would
> affect paddling on quiet, small lakes that sometimes can be plagued by
> moderate breezes. Should I raise the bow as Skene or follow Putz's
> version? Thanks, Tom.

Tom,

A bow that plunges doesn't ride up over waves. It means a wetter ride in rough seas, this should not be a problem on small quiet lakes.

Weathercocking is where the kayak turns into the wind, the wind essentially has a stronger effect on the stern than it does on the bow. This is a simplified explanation. It the wind picks up it means more corrective strokes to paddle in a straight line.

In my opinion, Putz's lines should be fine for most of your paddling, but I would think that Skene's definitely would. I enjoy my Putz with a 1" higher bow quite a bit, The standard bow is fine, but I think the higher bow would be better. It is a judgement call. The higher bow means bending the stringers more, but they should flex that much with no problem. Skinning the higher bow wil be a little more difficult too, but it is doable, the inuits did it. If you wait until after Christmas, I should have more information. Here is a web site with a standard bow Putz.

Mike